The Age of Chaucer: A Literary Journey through Time
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Explore the life, work, and literary legacy of Geoffrey Chaucer through a detailed look at his three life periods, major works, and poetic contributions during the English literary renaissance.
Geoffrey Chaucer, often referred to as the "Father of English literature," stands as a towering figure in the history of English letters. His contributions in the fourteenth century marked a turning point in English literary tradition, both in style and substance. The era often labeled The Age of Chaucer reflects not just the man himself but a transitional phase in English history and culture — a time when the English language began to assert itself in literature over Latin and French.
Life of Chaucer: Divided into Three Periods
For clarity, Chaucer's life is often categorized into three distinct periods, each reflecting unique phases in his personal, political, and literary journey.
1. The First Period (Youth to Early Manhood)
Chaucer’s first thirty years were profoundly influenced by French literary traditions. Born in London, likely in the early 1340s, Chaucer grew up near the Thames Street area, a hub of bustling commerce and constant sea traffic. As a youth, he would have encountered international influences daily. His father was a wine merchant connected to the royal court, and this familial affiliation paved the way for Chaucer’s early exposure to aristocratic life.
By the age of seventeen, Chaucer was appointed as a page to Princess Elizabeth, wife of Lionel of Antwerp. This introduction to court life marked the beginning of a long association with royalty. He later joined one of the king’s military campaigns in France during the Hundred Years' War and was taken prisoner at the siege of Rheims. Chaucer’s ransom was paid by the king himself — a testament to his growing value in the royal court.
During this time, Chaucer likely began composing his early poems, including The Romaunt of the Rose, a translation from the French Roman de la Rose. Though not his most notable work, it was significant in establishing his literary foundations and displaying his French influences.
2. The Second Period (Diplomatic and Literary Development)
From 1370 to 1386, Chaucer was deeply involved in diplomatic affairs, traveling abroad on several missions, including a notable trip to Genoa and Florence. This period marked a turning point in Chaucer’s literary development, as Italian literature, particularly the works of Dante, Petrarch, and Boccaccio, began to influence his writing. It was during this phase that his style matured, and he began crafting original works rather than translating.
Despite his busy diplomatic career, including his work as Comptroller of Customs at the Port of London, Chaucer remained devoted to his literary pursuits. In 1386, he was elected as a member of Parliament from Kent, initiating the English-centered period of his writing. This phase reveals a man caught between public duty and a deep yearning for literary expression. His verse from this period shows this inner conflict:
“And as for me, though that my wit be lyte,
On bokes for to rede I me delyte…”
These lines reflect Chaucer’s heartfelt devotion to books, even as he served the crown.
3. The Third Period (The English Period)
The final fifteen years of Chaucer’s life, often regarded as his most productive, show a departure from foreign influences and a firm embrace of English life and literature. This is the period when Chaucer composed his most famous work, The Canterbury Tales, a masterful collection of stories told by pilgrims journeying to Canterbury. Each tale is narrated in a different voice and style, showcasing Chaucer’s vast understanding of character, satire, and society.
This period also includes some deeply personal poems such as Complaint to His Empty Purse, in which Chaucer pleads humorously but earnestly for royal patronage. It is said that King Henry IV responded by increasing Chaucer’s pension, although the poet lived only a short while afterward. Chaucer died in 1400 and was buried in Westminster Abbey, becoming the first poet to occupy what is now known as Poets' Corner.
Chaucer’s Poetic Style and Influence
Chaucer’s work is admired not only for its stories but also for the musicality and richness of its language. Reading Chaucer in Middle English may seem daunting at first, but once the reader adapts to the pronunciation and rhythm, the verses reveal an almost lyrical charm.
Some tips for reading Chaucer include:
- Let the meter guide pronunciation, especially final syllables.
- Remember that many vowels sound different from modern English.
- Sound out unfamiliar words, as their meaning often becomes clear with pronunciation.
For instance, in his poem Truth (or Good Counsel), Chaucer writes:
“Flee fro the prees, and dwelle with sothfastnesse,
Suffise unto thy good, though hit be smal…”
Here, Chaucer advises a life of simplicity and truth, untouched by political deceit or material greed — a reflection of his personal values.
Major Works of the First Period
During his early years, Chaucer translated Roman de la Rose and wrote several shorter poems influenced heavily by French literature. These include:
- The Book of the Duchess – a dream vision commemorating Blanche of Lancaster.
- The House of Fame – a poem exploring fame and the unreliable nature of storytelling.
- The Parliament of Fowls – an allegorical work associated with Valentine’s Day and love.
Each of these pieces shows his evolving literary voice and hints at the greatness that would culminate in The Canterbury Tales.Final Years and Legacy
Though Chaucer’s later life was marked by some financial and personal difficulties, his literary productivity never waned. The Canterbury Tales, though left incomplete, remains a cornerstone of English literature. Chaucer’s ability to blend humor, pathos, realism, and idealism makes his work timeless.
He ushered in an era where English began to stand on equal footing with Latin and French as a literary language. His characters — from the Knight to the Wife of Bath — are vivid, diverse, and deeply human, revealing a nuanced understanding of medieval society.C
onclusion
The Age of Chaucer was a transformative time in English literary history, with Geoffrey Chaucer at its helm. From his early translations to his mature masterpieces, Chaucer’s work bridges cultures, genres, and social classes. His life, divided into three key periods, mirrors the evolution of a man who was not only a poet but also a diplomat, courtier, and philosopher. In honoring Chaucer, we honor the birth of English literature as we know it today.
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