Geoffrey Chaucer

Chaucer’s literary career
1. The first or the French period (1360-1372)
1) The Romaunt of the Rose 《玫瑰传奇》 a translation, popular in Middle ages 2) The Book of the Duchess 《悼公爵夫人》 the best work of the time 2. The second or the Italian period (1372-1386) Troilus and Criseyde 《特罗伊洛斯和克瑞西德》 a poem of a love story
《百鸟会议》
The Legend of Good Women
《贤妇传说》
Troilus and Criseyde
《特洛伊罗斯与克丽西达》
Chaucer’s Contribution
1. He introduced from Italy and France the rhymed stanza(诗节) of various types, especially the rhymed couplet(对句) of 5 accents in iambic meter (heroic couplet) to English poetry, instead of the old Anglo-Saxon alliterative verse. 2. He was the first great poet who wrote in English language (Middle English), thus establishing English as the literary language. 3. He did much in making the London dialect the foundation for modern English language.
Chaucer’s writing features
1.Messenger of Humanism a.Affirm man's right to pursue earthly happiness b.Praise man's energy, intellect, quick wit and love of life c.Expose and satirize the social vices, including religious abuses 2.The first important realistic writer Present a comprehensive realistic picture of the English society Create a whole gallery of vivid characters from all walks of life Explore the theme of the individual's relation to the society
Chaucer’s literary career
3. The third or the English period, his best period (1387-1400) The Canterbury Tales《坎特伯雷故事 集》 His masterpiece and a representative works of the Middle Ages.
Geoffrey Chaucer
by 汪栩卉
Chaucer’s life experience
• 1. He was born into a wine merchant family(葡萄酒商人家庭) in London. • 2. At 17, he became a page(男侍者)in a nobleman’s household. • 3. At 19, he went to France with the English army and was imprisoned • 4. He was married to a maid of honor to the queen at 26. • 5. At 27 he entered the service of the king. • 6. From 1372-1373 he went to Italy on diplomatic missions(外交使 团). • 7. In 1374, he was made controller of customs(海关署长) in London. • 8. He was even made MP(国会议员) for Kent in 1386. • 9. He died in 1400 . • 10. He was buried in Westminster Abbey—the Poets’ Corner.
Leabharlann Baidu
Chaucer’s major works
The Canterbury Tales
《坎特伯雷故事集》
Chaucer’s major works
Book of the Duchess
《公爵夫人之书》
Chaucer’s major works
The House of Fame
《声誉之宫》
The Parliament of Fowles