The Author: Geoffrey Chaucer
BIOGRAPHY
English poet Geoffrey Chaucer wrote the unfinished work, The Canterbury Tales. Is it considered one of the greatest poetic works in English. Chaucer was born circa 1340 in London, England. In 1357 he became a public servant to countless Elizabeth of Ulster. He worked as a public servant to the British court throughout his lifetime. The Canterbury Tales became his best known and highly ranked work. Chaucer’s family was of the bourgeois class; they descended from an affluent family who made their money in the London wine trade. Chaucer is believed to have attended the St. Paul’s Cathedral school, where he probably first became acquainted with the influential writing of Virgil and Ovid. The teenage, Chaucer went off to fight in the hundred Years’ War in France, at Rethel he was captured for ransom. Thanks to Chaucer’s royal connections, King Edward III helped pay his ransom. After Chaucer’s release, he joined the royal service, travelling throughout France, Spain and Italy on diplomatic missions throughout the early to mid-1360. He died on October 25th, 1400 in London, England and was the first person to be buried in Westminster abbeys poet corner.
Essential Questions
- What do the desires of women reveal about their nature?
- To what extent does female sovereignty have a positive effect on relationships?
- What makes a virtuous person?
BIOGRAPHY
English poet Geoffrey Chaucer wrote the unfinished work, The Canterbury Tales. Is it considered one of the greatest poetic works in English. Chaucer was born circa 1340 in London, England. In 1357 he became a public servant to countless Elizabeth of Ulster. He worked as a public servant to the British court throughout his lifetime. The Canterbury Tales became his best known and highly ranked work. Chaucer’s family was of the bourgeois class; they descended from an affluent family who made their money in the London wine trade. Chaucer is believed to have attended the St. Paul’s Cathedral school, where he probably first became acquainted with the influential writing of Virgil and Ovid. The teenage, Chaucer went off to fight in the hundred Years’ War in France, at Rethel he was captured for ransom. Thanks to Chaucer’s royal connections, King Edward III helped pay his ransom. After Chaucer’s release, he joined the royal service, travelling throughout France, Spain and Italy on diplomatic missions throughout the early to mid-1360. He died on October 25th, 1400 in London, England and was the first person to be buried in Westminster abbeys poet corner.
Essential Questions
- What do the desires of women reveal about their nature?
- To what extent does female sovereignty have a positive effect on relationships?
- What makes a virtuous person?