Poet
Geoffrey Chaucer
Geoffrey Chaucer (c. 1343–1400) is often called the “Father of English literature” and is best known for The Canterbury Tales, a collection of stories told by a diverse group of pilgrims on their way to Canterbury. Written in Middle English, the tales reflect a wide range of characters and social classes, using humour, satire, and moral lessons to explore human nature.
Chaucer’s poetry career was remarkable for its innovation. He was one of the first poets to write in English at a time when Latin and French were the dominant literary languages. His works, such as ‘The Knight’s Tale’ and ‘The Wife of Bath’s Tale’, blend classical influences with a distinctly English voice, making his poetry accessible to a wider audience.
In addition to The Canterbury Tales, Chaucer is known for ‘Troilus and Criseyde’, a tragic love story set during the Trojan War. His ability to blend narrative, character development, and poetic form helped shape the future of English poetry. Chaucer’s wit, storytelling skill, and insight into human nature make him one of the most influential poets in literary history.