Geoffrey Chaucer

The most notable author of the Middle English Period is Geoffrey Chaucer, without whom any discussion of Middle English poetry is wholly irrelevant. He is without a doubt the Middle English poet under whose skillful and assured guidance both the English language and literature reached their full development. He is far superior to other poets of his era due to his breadth, complexity, funny tone, inherently humanitarian attitude, and semantic genius.

His familiarity with European literature allowed him to discuss topics and viewpoints present in European literature in English. He was an astute observer of human nature and captured it with a delicate blend of humour and tenderness. His training in a courtly and diplomatic lifestyle allowed for the multiplicity of his characters, and he was good at portraying them with the utmost conviction.

Due to his work and relationship with the King, he had the opportunity to travel to many other nations and interact with a wide range of individuals, from the affluent to the imperial. Having a thorough understanding of life's ups and downs. His trip to Italy is crucial since it exposed him to Italian literature and the writings of Dante, among other authors. One of Chaucer's poetry' numerous characteristics is that they are satirical portrayals of metaphorical themes. He created and composed in rhyme royal, a stanza-length form with seven rhymed lines. The Canterbury Tales is Chaucer's most well-known work. It is praised for its sheer semantic brilliance and deft wit despite being an incomplete work. He was a leading figure in the Chaucer Age, which bears his name.

Born: 1342 or 1343
Died: October 25, 1400

Notable Works: “Hous of Fame”; “Legend of Good Women”