Chaucer's Canterbury Tales: Defining English Literature

Geoffrey Chaucer's Canterbury Tales, written in the late 14th century, is a foundational text of English literature. Chaucer (1343-1400) came from a modest family that rose socially after the Black Death. He served as a page for Lionel of Antwerp, was captured at the Siege of Reims, and later traveled widely in royal service. His work was influenced by Italian writers like Dante, Boccaccio, and Petrarch, as well as French literary forms like the fabliau. The Tales feature a diverse group of pilgrims telling stories, offering insights into medieval religion, chivalry, social hierarchy, and women's roles. Chaucer wrote in the London dialect of Middle English, helping standardize the language and introducing phrases still used today. The work is unfinished, with 25 stories instead of the planned 120. It remains celebrated for its humor, morality, and vivid characters.