Who Is Known As The Father Of English Literature?

Did you know that English used to be viewed as a language for everyday people? For a long time, scholars preferred to write in Latin or French. English literature is an incredible collection of stories, poems, and plays written in English.

It shows our history, our dreams, and our common human experience. Over the centuries, it has changed from simple songs into a large collection of famous books.

But every great journey has a starting point. Do you know who is known as the Father of English Literature?

This man was a true pioneer. He decided to write his masterpieces in a language that everyday people could understand. He used his sharp wit to depict colourful characters from all walks of life, including knights and cooks.

His stories are still studied today. They were written hundreds of years ago. In this article, we will look at the life and legacy of this literary giant.

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Who is known as the Father of English Literature?

The man called the "Father of English Literature" is Geoffrey Chaucer. He lived in England during the 14th century, from around 1343 to 1400. Unlike many writers today, Chaucer was more than just a poet. He had a busy professional life.

His Life and Background

Chaucer lived a life filled with adventure. He worked in the royal court and travelled throughout Europe as a diplomat. These travels were crucial because they introduced him to different cultures and writing styles.

Key Facts About Chaucer:

• A Civil Servant. He worked as a customs officer and a clerk.  
• A Soldier. He fought in the Hundred Years' War and was once captured for ransom.  
• A Pioneer. He was the first poet to be buried in "Poets' Corner" at Westminster Abbey.

Chaucer was a man who experienced many aspects of life. He spent time with kings and noblemen, and he also worked with merchants and common labourers. This broad range of experience helped him write stories that resonated with everyone.

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Why Is He Considered the Father of English Literature?

Before Chaucer's time, most serious books were in Latin or French. Only the church and the wealthy understood these languages. Most ordinary people in England could not comprehend them. Chaucer changed this by writing in Middle English.

Breaking the Language Barrier

Chaucer believed the English language was beautiful and strong. By writing in the language of the people, he made literature accessible to everyone.

Why This Title Fits Him:

• The Power of Choice: He showed that English could work for high-quality art, not just for everyday tasks.  
• Observation of Life: He wrote about real human nature, flaws and all, instead of only perfect legends.  
• Literary Structure: He introduced new writing styles for poetry that were not seen in English before.

Chaucer gave English writers a voice. Without his influence, the English language could have remained a second-class language for many more centuries. He laid the groundwork that future greats, like Shakespeare, would later build on.

What Are the Most Famous Stories He Ever Wrote?

Chaucer wrote many poems and stories. His most famous work is The Canterbury Tales. This book is a collection of stories shared by a group of people on a journey together.

The Canterbury Tales

The story follows 29 pilgrims on their journey to a shrine in Canterbury. To pass the time, they hold a storytelling contest. This setup lets Chaucer share many different kinds of stories in one book.

Notable Characters in His Stories:

• The Knight: A brave and honourable man who tells a tale of romance.
• The Wife of Bath: A bold, funny woman who speaks openly about her many marriages.
• The Miller: A rough and loud man who tells a funny, somewhat rude story.

Other Important Works:

• Troilus and Criseyde: A tragic love story set during a war.
• The Parliament of Fowls: A poem that is often linked to the early traditions of Valentine’s Day.

By including characters from all social classes, Chaucer provided a clear picture of what life was truly like in the Middle Ages.

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How Did He Change the English Language Forever?

Chaucer did more than just tell stories. He helped shape the English language we use today. In his time, people from different parts of England spoke quite differently. Someone from the north often had trouble understanding someone from the south.

Standardising the Language

Because Chaucer’s work became so popular, the "London dialect" he used became the standard version of English. People wanted to read his work. As a result, they learnt to speak and write like him.

His Lasting Impact:

• New Vocabulary: Chaucer is credited with introducing around 2,000 new words to the English language.  
• The Iambic Pentameter: He helped shape the rhythm of English poetry. This is the same beat that Shakespeare used in his famous plays.  
• A National Identity: He gave the English people pride in their own language. 

Chaucer’s influence is everywhere. Every time you read an English book or watch an English movie, you see the impact of his work. He showed that English could be a language of power, beauty, and strong feelings.

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