Shocking Secrets of Geoffrey Chaucer & the Canterbury Tales

Geoffrey Chaucer, often referred to as the "Father of English Literature," was a prominent poet, writer, and diplomat who lived during the 14th century. Born around 1343 in London, England, Chaucer's life and career were deeply influenced by the political and social upheavals of his time. His works continue to have a significant impact on English literature and language to this day.

▬Contents of this video▬
00:00 - Intro
00:22 - Man of the People
01:24 - India, Greece, and Italy
02:50 - It Wasn’t Finished
04:06 - Challenges and Protests
05:23 - The Father of the English Language
06:11 - The Knight’s Tale
06:41 - Chaucer’s Legacy
07:16 - Outro

Chaucer's early life is somewhat obscure, but historical records indicate that he belonged to a family of London merchants, which provided him with opportunities for education and connections within the royal court and the aristocracy. These experiences exposed him to aristocratic circles and the art of storytelling, all of which left a lasting imprint on his literary works.

Chaucer's most celebrated work is "The Canterbury Tales," a collection of stories framed within a narrative of pilgrims traveling to the shrine of Thomas Becket in Canterbury. Each pilgrim tells a tale, providing an engaging tapestry of diverse narratives that explore various aspects of medieval society, morality, and human nature. The tales offer a fascinating glimpse into the cultural and social landscape of 14th-century England.

Apart from "The Canterbury Tales," Chaucer wrote numerous other poems. His other famous work was "Troilus and Criseyde," a tragic love story set against the backdrop of the Trojan War.
Chaucer's contributions to English literature earned him recognition and respect during his lifetime, and his works continued to be admired and emulated long after his death. He passed away on October 25, 1400, and was buried in Westminster Abbey.

Today, his legacy lives on as one of the pioneers who transformed English into a literary language and laid the foundation for the flourishing of English literature in the centuries that followed.
Yet, there’s still so much about The Canterbury Tales that still remains a mystery…

Shocking Secrets of Geoffrey Chaucer & the Canterbury Tales