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Home > News & Articles > Geoffrey Chaucer is recognized and revered as the Father of English Language.
Suman Saurav
Updated on 04th July, 2024 , 9 min read
Geoffrey Chaucer is recognized and revered as the Father of English Language.
Geoffrey Chaucer is recognized and revered as the Father of English Language.
Geoffrey Chaucer is recognized and deemed as the Father of English Language. Geoffrey Chaucer is also called the father of English poetry. He has got illustrious fame and name with his work The Canterbury Tales. He was also a diplomat, civil servant, philosopher and author. He was the first and foremost writer to be buried in Poets' Corner, in Westminster Abbey. Chaucer also gained critical appreciation and fame owing to his inclination towards astronomy and writing scientific works like “A Treatise on the Astrolabe for his 10-year-old son Lewis”. The Book of the Duchess, The House of Fame, The Legend of Good Women, and Troilus and Criseyde are some of most popular and widely acclaimed works of Chaucer.
He is given deserved credit for providing legitimacy to the literary use of Middle English at a time when Anglo-Norman French and Latin were the dominant and accepted literary languages in England. Chaucer's contemporary, Thomas Hoccleve, praised him as "the firste fyndere of our fair langage" (i.e., the first person capable of finding lyrical matter in English).
Chaucer is consistently esteemed and venerated as the founder of the English vernacular tradition. His contribution to the language can be understood as part of a larger historical movement in various parts of Europe toward the development of vernacular literature, following in the footsteps of Dante.
Check more: Father of Mathematics
Also refer to: Father of Modern Physics
Why Geoffrey Chaucer is hailed as the Father of English Language?
Geoffrey Chaucer is consistently venerated as the "father of English literature" or the "father of English poetry," a title that highlights his significant contribution to the development and establishment of English as a legitimate language for literature and scholarly work. Here are the reasons why Chaucer holds this esteemed title:
- Pioneer of Vernacular Literature: Geoffrey Chaucer was the first leading writer to use Middle English. It was the vernacular of his time. And he used it for his works of literary pieces he produced. Before Chaucer's intervention, most of the works of literature, particularly scholarly and poetic works were written and produced in Latin or French.
- The Canterbury Tales: Chaucer's most celebrated work is "The Canterbury Tales,". It is hailed as a masterpiece and considered as one of the greatest works of English literature. It contains several stories spoken by different characters. Each story is different with its own voice and approaches. The Canterbury Tales highlights the rich legacy and diversity of the English language.
- Standardizing English: Through his literary pieces, Chaucer played a pivotal role in standardizing the English language. He did it at a time when it was majorly regionalized and varied substantially across various regions of England. His widespread readership aided to spread a more uniform and arranged version of English.
- Narrative Innovation: Chaucer's use of frame narrative in "The Canterbury Tales" was innovation re-defined. The structure of a pilgrimage, multiple storytellers, contributed for a varied range of stories and genres within one thumping narrative.
- Character Development: Chaucer's use and demonstration of characters are byzantine, complicated and multifaceted. It also shows the diversity of society. His great sagacity and ability to create vivid, realistic characters helped in the cultivation of character-driven storytelling in English literature.
- Literary Influences: Classical and contemporary works from other languages had a great influence on Chaucer. It encompassed Latin, French, and Italian. He translated and adapted these influences into English, thereby enriching the English literary tradition.
- Use of Iambic Pentameter: Though Chaucer is not credited with inventing iambic pentameter, his use of it in his poetry greatly popularized this meter. As a result, it would become the preponderant poetic form in English literature, later perfected by poets like Shakespeare.
- Wide Range of Genres: Chaucer produced his works in a variety of genres. The genres encompassed romance, tragedy, comedy, and moral tales. This versatility demonstrated the capability of English to express a wide range of human experiences and emotions.
- Social Commentary: Chaucer's works often covered social and political commentary. They also highlighted the oddities and issues of his time. This added a layer of depth to his writing and showed that English could be used for serious and sophisticated discourse.
- Literary Influence: Chaucer's works had a long-lasting impact on future generations of writers. Many English writers, including Shakespeare, Spenser, and Milton, were influenced by Chaucer's themes, style, and use of the English language.
These reasons collectively underscore Geoffrey Chaucer's pivotal role in shaping the course of English literature and solidifying the use of English as a respected and robust literary language.
Read more: BA English Literature Course
Is Shakespeare hailed as “The Father Of The English Language”?
William Shakespeare is hailed as the father of modern English Literature. Geoffrey Chaucer came before Shakespeare. William Shakespeare is often hailed as one of the greatest writers in the English language and is widely recognized for his profound impact on English literature. However, he is not typically referred to as the "father of the English language" for the below-mentioned reasons:
The English Language had already developed before Shakespeare's time. When Shakespeare was writing during 16th and early17th centuries, early Modern English had already gained prominence.
Geoffrey Chaucer was already a dominant figure in the world of literature before Shakespeare's arrival.
William Shakespeare had limited role in the foundational development of English Language. He took the literary tradition forward.
Shakespeare's contributions were more artistic and aesthetic. He did not invent the basics of English language.
| Father of English Language FAQs |
| Q. Who is the father of English? |
Geoffrey Chaucer ( 1340s – 25 October 1400) was an English poet and author. Widely considered the greatest English poet of the Middle Ages, he is best known for The Canterbury Tales.
He has been called the "father of English literature", or, alternatively, the "father of English poetry".
He was the first writer to be buried in what has since come to be called Poets' Corner, in Westminster Abbey.
Chaucer also gained fame as a philosopher and astronomer, composing the scientific A Treatise on the Astrolabe for his 10-year-old son Lewis. He maintained a career in the civil service as a bureaucrat, courtier, diplomat, and member of parliament.
Father of English Language: History of English Language
Every pupil should know who the father of English is. Geoffrey Chaucer is regarded as the father of English, having made substantial contributions to its evolution. The father of English was born in London and served as a writer, poet, and diplomat. There are numerous reasons to learn English, as it is the most widely taught language in any topic. This is especially true if the pupils are international and want to study abroad. Because English is vital for commencing education and excelling in a career after graduation. As an international student, there are numerous reasons to enroll in an English course. Most courses teach the most important areas of English: reading, writing, speaking, and listening, and will boost confidence in using English in everyday life, at work, or while studying in the future.
Given the language's prevalence, if you work for a multinational corporation and wish to teach communication skills to professionals or other specialists in their industry. The majority of the websites are written in English to help you enhance your knowledge while studying and researching for later life. So, exhibiting this amazing expertise can help you stand out to employers and improve your resume. When students work in large corporations, they will only be permitted to converse in English. If students have limited English skills and want to enhance them, they can attend online classes.
A language is a living thing, hence it evolves throughout time. Just imagine traveling back in time. You'd be perplexed by how English was spoken back then. Throughout history, several social, economic, and cognitive factors have influenced its growth. So, to pique your interest in this issue, here is a brief history of the English language. Read on!
English is a West Germanic language derived from Anglo-Frisian dialects brought to Britain by three Germanic tribes: the Angles, Saxons, and Jutes. During the fifth and sixth century AD, these warlike tribes invaded and settled on the island, driving local Celtic-speaking inhabitants to the north and west (present-day Scotland, Wales, and Cornwall).
Over time, the Angles, Saxons, and Jutes combined their diverse Germanic dialects to form what is now known as Old English, the first stage in the history of the English language. The words England and English were derived from the Old English word Angle-land, which meaning "the land of the Angles" where the people spoke "Englisc".
The present English language developed between 1450 and 1500. Its development is divided into two stages: the Early Modern Period (1450–1800) and Late Modern English (from 1800–present).
A variety of cultural, political, and economic reasons influenced the transition from Middle English to Early Modern English. One of these was the creation of the printing press. William Caxton founded his printing press at Westminster Abbey in 1476. This was crucial because individuals began using the same terminology in print. As a result, English language and spelling became more consistent. Because most publishing houses were in London, the dialect became the norm.
During the English Renaissance, many Greek and Latin words were introduced into English. William Shakespeare (1564-1616) produced many English expressions and sayings that are still used today. Finally, the advent of the British Empire and the Industrial Revolution contributed to the expansion of vocabulary.
Father of English Language: About Geoffrey Chaucer
Read in detail about early life, education, literary career and beliefs of Geoffrey Chaucer:
Birth and Family Background
Geoffrey Chaucer was born around 1343. He was born likely in London. He was born to a family of rich wine merchants. His father, John Chaucer, was a great vintner. His father's profession placed the family in the upper middle class. This association to the business class allowed Chaucer access to education and the court. Tn this place, he would later serve.
Education and Early Career
Chaucer received quality education. It encompassed studying the trivium (grammar, rhetoric, and logic) and the quadrivium (arithmetic, geometry, music, and astronomy). His early exploration of various cultures and languages, through his travels in France and Italy, would substantially impact his literary works.
Service and Marriage
In his childhood, Chaucer became a page in the household of Elizabeth, Countess of Ulster. It gave him with an exposure of the aristocratic life and connections that would help his career. In 1366, he married Philippa Roet, a lady-in-waiting to the queen and sister to the powerful John of Gaunt’s third wife. This marriage later enhanced his status and associations within the court.
Literary Career
Early Works
Chaucer's earliest works were greatly influenced by French and Italian literature. "The Book of the Duchess," written around 1368-1374, is his first major work, an elegy for Blanche of Lancaster, John of Gaunt’s first wife. This work depicts his mastery of the dream vision genre.
Diplomatic and Administrative Roles
Chaucer's career as a civil servant allowed him with varied experiences. These experiences enhanced his writing. He served as a diplomat, traveling to Italy and France, which exposed him to the works of Dante, Petrarch, and Boccaccio. These influences are clear in his later works.
The Canterbury Tales
Chaucer's most famous work, "The Canterbury Tales," was written during the latter part of his life. Starting in the 1380s, This collection of stories, told by a diverse group of pilgrims on their way to Canterbury, showcases his virtuosity in character development, narrative, and social commentary. The stories show a wide range of medieval society and explore themes of love, betrayal, and morality.
Religious and Philosophical Beliefs
Religious Views
Chaucer lived during a time of significant religious turmoil. It encompassed the Great Schism and the early stirrings of the Reformation. While he was a devout Christian, his works often critique the corruption within the Church. Characters like the Pardoner and the Friar in "The Canterbury Tales" highlight the hypocrisy and greed of some church officials.
Philosophical Influences
Chaucer was influenced by the classical philosophers and the scholastic tradition. His works often explore themes of fate, free will, and the nature of love. The "Knight’s Tale," for instance, delves into the philosophical question of predestination versus free will, influenced by Boethius's "The Consolation of Philosophy."
Father of English Language: Critics' Points of View on Geoffrey Chaucer
Contemporary Reception
During his lifetime, Chaucer was well-regarded by his peers, although his reputation grew significantly posthumously. He was recognized for his literary talent and his works were copied and circulated widely.
Modern Criticism
Modern critics praise Chaucer for his innovation in the English language and his development of the vernacular as a literary medium. He is often called the "Father of English Literature." Critics also appreciate his keen observations of human nature and his ability to present a wide range of characters with depth and empathy.
Feminist Criticism
Some feminist critics highlight the patriarchal attitudes present in Chaucer's works, but they also note his nuanced portrayal of female characters. The "Wife of Bath" is often cited as one of the most complex and engaging female characters in medieval literature.
Historical Criticism
Historical critics examine how Chaucer’s works reflect the social, political, and religious contexts of 14th-century England. His portrayal of different social classes and his critique of institutional corruption provide valuable insights into medieval society.
In summary, Geoffrey Chaucer's life and work were deeply influenced by his background, education, and the historical context in which he lived. His literary career spanned various roles, from a courtier and diplomat to a poet and storyteller, and his works continue to be studied and admired for their linguistic innovation, rich characterizations, and insightful social commentary.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Shakespeare the father of English?
William Shakespeare is acknowledged as the Father of Modern English Literature but father of English is Geoffrey Chaucer.
Who is the father of English among 2? A. William Shakespeare B. Geoffrey Chaucer
If Shakespeare and Chaucer are two options, then Chaucer is the answer.
Who is the father of English epic?
Geoffrey Chaucer is the father of English Literature.
Who is called the father of English prose?
William Tyndale is called the father of English prose.
Who is the father of English language in India?
Lord Macaulay is the father of English language in India.
Who is called the mother of English?
Frances “Fanny” Burney is called the mother of English.
Who is the father of English grammar?
Lindley Murray is the father of English grammar.
Who is a father of English essay?
Francis Bacon (1561-1626) is a father of English essay.
Who is known as the father of English history?
Bede was known as the Father of English History.
Who is the father of Indian English writer?
Mulk Raj Anand is the Father of Indian English Fiction.
Who is the father of the English novel?
Henry Fielding is the father of the English novel.
Who is called the father of English drama?
Undoubtedly, William Shakespeare is called the father of English drama.
Who is the father of English sonnet?
Sir Thomas Wyatt (1503 – 11 October 1542) is the father of English sonnet.