Who is known as the father of English literature?
Many consider Shakespeare the father of English literature, but he, in fact, was inspired by one of the first and most influential English poets of the Middle Ages, Geoffrey Chaucer.
Chaucer won his recognition during his lifetime, as he was a outstanding author and talented philosopher. Chaucer was also good at astronomy and even composed one elaborate scientific treatise. The best known and most critically acclaimed literary work by Chaucer is The Canterbury Tales, which were written in Middle English.
Chaucer was also an active bureaucrat and diplomat. He did a great job to develop the commonality of Middle English usage, as French and Latin were dominant in English literature before.
More Info:
www.wikipedia.org
What are your thoughts on this subject?
52 Comments
dickahern
If the question had included any modifiers such as "modern" then Shakespeare would have been the answer but it was clear, "English literature" and since Beowufl has no attrubutable authorship, we are left with Chaucer.
Shakespeare had a much greater impact in both the language and on future writings and is arguably the real founder of both the language and the literature tradition. Tht is setting aside the debate about the true authorship, it is the body of writings that are attrubuted to that name that is significant.
Neil Skinner
So well put Richard Aherne. As someone that went through the British education system in the 50's & 60's attaining no higher level than Secondary Modern School leaving with a motley collection of C.S.E.'s and G.C.E.'s . I have joined 2 poetry groups at the tender age of 66 yrs. facilitated by a graduate of Oxford University and Berkely Ca. then went on to be a lecturer at Oxford University. I have come to understand and appreciate some points of English literature that I never thought I would.
james parrillo
Tom McPherson, I learned that Chaucer wrote in Old English. Thank you, Christine, James' wife
james parrillo
John W Shreve, I thought I remembered that Chaucer wrote in Old English, with every verb ending in -ed, for instance. Thank you, Christine, James' wife
Nancy Chisholm
There is a fabulous film The Canterbury Tales from the 1940"s
Myrna Cooksey-Watson
Studied The Canterbury Tales in school.
Cottec
Had to be Chaucer.
Corey Taylor
Upon his death, Chaucer was the first author ever buried in the "Poet's Corner" of Westminster Abbey.
Lynne Zeman
The text didn't include Geoffrey's lifetime. He lived from 1343 to 1400 whereas Shakespeare live between 1564 to 1616.
I did not know Chaucer was the author of the Canterbury Tales.
Elsy O. Stromberg
Great name for a rooster, Tesla!
Pam Tyler
Got it wrong but loved reading the comments, especially dickahern and Neil Skinner! Thank you gentlemen!
Doug Preston
That seems to be a matter of opinion.
Dani Smith
I worked for a Catholic University. One of the nuns taught a class on Chaucer. The students enjoyed the class, I'm told. She retired before I could take it.
Rameen Khan
Got it right! I Won
mybabygirl
tesla alset, wow ...... !!!!
Mark Kirby
Love literature, but cannot abide Chaucer. Only famous because his works survived IMO - although I accept I am in a minority. Everyone to their own, and if you like it - great. I am also one of those who do not find the late Tony Hancock funny, but if we all liked the same things, how boring the world would be.
Janette Will
Love The Canterbury Tales. So this question was easy for me.