1.1 Chaucer's life and historical context

Chaucer's life spanned a tumultuous period in English history. Born to a wine merchant, he rose through the ranks of society, serving as a diplomat and royal official. His experiences shaped his writing, giving him unique insights into different social classes.

Chaucer's era was marked by political instability, religious changes, and economic growth. The Hundred Years' War, the Black Death, and social upheavals influenced his works. His writing reflects these events, offering a vivid portrayal of 14th-century English society.

Chaucer's Life and Historical Context

Key events in Chaucer's life

Top images from around the web for Key events in Chaucer's life

• 

  Geoffrey Chaucer - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Geoffrey Chaucer - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Geoffrey Chaucer - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Geoffrey Chaucer - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Geoffrey Chaucer - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

Top images from around the web for Key events in Chaucer's life

• 

  Geoffrey Chaucer - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Geoffrey Chaucer - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Geoffrey Chaucer - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Geoffrey Chaucer - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Geoffrey Chaucer - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

• Birth and early life
  • Born in London around the 1340s to a prosperous wine merchant father provided financial stability and access to education
  • Grew up in the vibrant commercial center of London exposed to diverse influences and opportunities
• Education and early career
  • Attended school where he learned Latin, French, and Italian essential skills for a future diplomat and writer
  • Served as a page in the household of the Countess of Ulster gained experience in courtly life and aristocratic culture
• Military service and diplomatic missions
  • Fought in the Hundred Years' War and was captured by the French in 1360 witnessed the realities of warfare and international conflict
  • Served as a diplomat for King Edward III and King Richard II traveled extensively and engaged in high-level negotiations (France, Italy)
• Marriage and personal life
  • Married Philippa de Roet, a lady-in-waiting to the Queen connected him to the royal court and provided social status
  • Had at least two sons, Thomas and Lewis ensured the continuation of his family line and legacy
• Later career and appointments
  • Worked as a customs controller and justice of the peace gained insight into the workings of government and the legal system
  • Appointed Clerk of the King's Works in 1389 responsible for overseeing royal construction projects (Westminster Palace, Tower of London)
• Death and legacy
  • Died in 1400 and was buried in Westminster Abbey honored with a tomb in the Poets' Corner, a testament to his literary significance
  • Considered the "father of English literature" for his pioneering use of Middle English and his influence on subsequent writers (Shakespeare, Milton)

Historical context of Chaucer's era

• Political instability and social upheaval
  • Hundred Years' War with France (1337-1453) prolonged conflict that drained resources and disrupted trade
  • Peasants' Revolt of 1381 uprising against high taxes and social inequality, reflecting the tensions of the time
  • Deposition of King Richard II in 1399 political turmoil and the rise of the Lancastrian dynasty
• Religious and cultural changes
  • Influence of the Catholic Church dominant religious institution that shaped social norms and values
  • Rise of vernacular literature and the English language increasing use of Middle English in literary works, making them more accessible to a wider audience
  • Impact of the Black Death (1348-1350) pandemic that decimated the population and led to significant social and economic changes (labor shortages, wage increases)
• Economic and technological developments
  • Growth of trade and commerce expansion of markets and the rise of a merchant class (wool trade, Hanseatic League)
  • Emergence of the middle class artisans, craftsmen, and professionals who gained wealth and influence
  • Invention of the printing press (c. 1440) revolutionized the dissemination of knowledge and ideas, although after Chaucer's time

Historical influences on Chaucer's works

• Reflections on social and political issues
  • Critique of corruption in the Church (The Canterbury Tales) satirical portrayal of religious figures and practices
  • Exploration of class differences and social hierarchy depiction of characters from various walks of life and their interactions
  • Commentary on the changing roles of women representation of strong female characters and the challenges they faced (Wife of Bath)
• Incorporation of contemporary literary trends
  • Use of vernacular English in poetry and prose made his works accessible to a broader audience and helped establish Middle English as a literary language
  • Adaptation of continental European literary forms (the dream vision) borrowed and modified popular genres from France and Italy (Romance of the Rose)
  • Inclusion of popular genres such as fabliaux and romances incorporated humorous tales and chivalric adventures into his works (The Miller's Tale, The Knight's Tale)
• Portrayal of diverse characters and perspectives
  • Representation of various social classes and occupations pilgrims in The Canterbury Tales include a knight, a monk, a merchant, and a miller, among others
  • Exploration of individual motivations and flaws characters are complex and multifaceted, with their own desires and shortcomings
  • Celebration of the human experience in all its complexity Chaucer's works embrace the joys, sorrows, and challenges of life in the Middle Ages

Significance of Chaucer's background

• Access to courtly circles and patronage
  • Connections to the royal court and aristocracy provided opportunities for advancement and exposure to influential figures (John of Gaunt)
  • Opportunities for travel and exposure to different cultures his diplomatic missions allowed him to encounter new ideas and literary traditions
  • Financial support for literary pursuits patronage from wealthy individuals and the court enabled him to dedicate time to writing
• Influence of classical and contemporary literature
  • Knowledge of Latin, French, and Italian works well-versed in the classics (Ovid, Virgil) and contemporary writers (Dante, Boccaccio)
  • Incorporation of themes and techniques from classical authors drew inspiration from ancient mythology and philosophy
  • Engagement with the ideas of contemporary writers and thinkers participated in the intellectual discourse of his time
• Role in shaping the English literary tradition
  • Establishment of Middle English as a literary language demonstrated the expressive power and flexibility of the vernacular
  • Popularization of new poetic forms and genres introduced and adapted continental literary styles (rhyme royal, iambic pentameter)
  • Inspiration for future generations of English writers his works served as models and sources of inspiration for later authors (Spenser, Dryden)