Chaucer as a Literary Figure

 

CHAUCER

 

INTRODUCTION:

Geoffrey Chaucer (c. 1343 - October 25, 1400) is widely regarded as the "Father of English poetry" due to his significant influence on the development of English literature. He is considered the first of the great moderns. In those dark days when the light of modernism had not yet been visible on the horizon, Chaucer anticipated the modern taste and the modern mind, and in his  poetry introduced qualities far in advance of his time. Chaucer made several contributions to English poetry and his debt is so great that it can never be repaid. John Dryden has correctly said appreciating Chaucer,

"Chaucer is the well of English undefiled, the first poet who wrote in our language, and the father of our poetry."

The following are various features of Chaucer’s poetry and his contribution to English Literature.

Established English As A Literary Language:

 Chaucer was one of the first writers to use English as a literary language, rather than Latin or French, which were the dominant languages of the time. This helped to establish English as a respected language for literature and poetry.

"As I kan, I wol telle yow my tale" (The Canterbury Tales, General Prologue, l. 15)

Thomas Warton has correctly said,

"Chaucer's works are the foundation of our literature, the soil in which our language has grown."

 Innovative use of language:

Chaucer's writing style was innovative for its time, using vernacular English, and incorporating elements of Middle English, Latin, and French. His use of language helped to shape the English language and influenced future generations of writers.

 

Derek Pearsall has correctly said,

"Chaucer's language is a remarkable blend of the poetic and the everyday, the elevated and the colloquial."

Development of English meter and rhyme:

Chaucer introduced the use of iambic pentameter and rhyme schemes, which became a hallmark of English poetry. His innovative use of meter and rhyme helped to create a sense of musicality and rhythm in English poetry.

"The lyf so short, the craft so long to lerne"

Realism:

Modern poetry is characterised by realism. The modern poet  is a keen observer of the various tendencies of his times which are  being put by him in poetry. This modern note of realism bad been sounded by Chaucer long ago in the 14th century. He made a  thorough study of his time in its varied aspects and gave expression  to its hopes and aspirations, its fears and doubts in The Canterbury Tales. Chaucer's works provide valuable insights into medieval life, culture, and society. His writing offers a window into the past, revealing the values, beliefs, and customs of the time. William Makepeace Thackeray has correctly said commenting on Chaucer’s realism,

"Chaucer's poetry is a mirror of medieval life, a reflection of the times, a window into the past."

Narrative Art:

Chaucer made notable contribution to the art of story-telling  and what Morris did later in Earthly Paradise was achieved by him  in The Canterbury tales. Chaucer's storytelling in "The Canterbury Tales" is remarkable. He weaves together many voices and stories, creating a "rich tapestry of human experience" (Donaldson). He is the supreme story teller. In his stories the narration, inspite of certain degressions and philosophical  reflections, is straightforward. He introduces humour in his narration and makes his stories life like and living. As critic V.A. Kolve notes,

 "Chaucer balances the particular and the universal, making his stories both personal and relatable".

Characterisation:

Chaucer made significant contribution to the art of characterisation. A.C. Ward has said,

"Chaucer is the first great painter of character because he is first great observer of it among European Writers”

 He presents his characters in a masterly manner. His characters are both individuals and types. They are timeless creations on a time-determined stage. Chaucer's characters in "The Canterbury Tales" are incredibly well-created and realistic. Critic Jill Mann says,

"Chaucer's characters are not just good or bad, but real people with their own unique personalities, experiences, and motivations"

 Chaucer uses small details, like the Wife of Bath's smile or the Pardoner's clothing, to show us who they are and what they value. This makes them relatable and memorable. Chaucer's characters are like a rich tapestry, showing us many aspects of human life.

 

Chaucer as the Representative of his Age:

Chaucer was a true representative of his age, reflecting the values, beliefs, and concerns of medieval England. As critic Derek Pearsall notes,

"Chaucer's work is a mirror held up to the society of his time".

Chaucer's writing reveals the social hierarchies, religious influences, and cultural norms of the 14th century. For example, his portrayal of the Knight and the Peasant in "The Canterbury Tales" highlights the class divisions of the time. As Chaucer himself wrote,

"The condition of man is to be born, to eat, to drink, and to die" (Chaucer, "The Canterbury Tales"),

 reflecting the medieval focus on mortality and the human condition. Through his work, Chaucer gives us a glimpse into the lives and values of medieval people.

Conclusion

Chaucer is widely regarded as the father of English poetry, and for good reason. As critic George Saintsbury says,

"Chaucer was the first to show the possibilities of the English language"

 He introduced a new style of writing that blended French, Latin, and English influences, creating a unique and expressive voice. Chaucer's use of language, meter, and imagery raised the bar for English poetry, making him a model for future generations. As Derek Pearsall notes,

"Chaucer's poetry is a benchmark for all subsequent English poetry"

 His influence can be seen in poets like Shakespeare and Milton, and his works remain a cornerstone of English literature. As Chaucer himself wrote,

"The wordes of the poetes be the wordes of the people" (Chaucer, "The Canterbury Tales"), highlighting the power of poetry to capture the essence of a culture.