Geoffrey Chaucer (1343 – 1400) was an English poet and author of the Canterbury Tales, a collection of stories told by pilgrims on their way to Canterbury Cathedral.
Chaucer is considered one of the greatest poets in English literature. He was born around 1343 in London, England and died in 1400. His father was a vintner, which means that he sold wine. Chaucer also worked as a courtier for many years during the reigns of Edward III and Richard II.
Geoffrey wrote The Canterbury Tales in Middle English during the 14th century. It is believed that he wrote this work between 1387 and 1389. The Canterbury Tales is a collection of 24 stories told by different narrators who are travelling to the shrine of Thomas Becket in Canterbury Cathedral. The stories are set in a frame story where each pilgrim tells two tales on their journey to Canterbury; one on the way there and another when they return home. These stories are linked together by characters who appear in both tales, such as the Wife of Bath or Friar Martin. Chaucer used his own experiences as well as those of other people to create his characters.
Geoffrey Chaucer’s use of humour, irony and realism makes his stories unique.
