Exploring Chaucer's Life, Innovations, and 'The Canterbury Tales'

Geoffrey Chaucer, born circa 1343, was a public servant to royalty. Not only a poet, he was also a diplomat and bureaucrat. His experiences influenced 'The Canterbury Tales', reflecting medieval society's complexities.

Chaucer chose to write in Middle English, not Latin or French. This decision democratized literature, making his work accessible to a broader audience and elevating English's literary status.

'The Canterbury Tales' is an unfinished work, planned for over 120 stories. Only 24 tales were completed before Chaucer's death. The incomplete narrative adds an intriguing layer to its study.

The tales comprise a melange of genres including romance, fabliau, saint's biography, and sermon, showcasing Chaucer's versatility and deep understanding of different literary forms.

The pilgrimage framework unites characters from various social classes and professions. Their interactions and tales offer a microcosm of 14th-century English society, highlighting social issues of that era.

Chaucer penned 'A Treatise on the Astrolabe' for his son, a reflection of his scholarly interests. It's the earliest known work on the device in English and shows his scientific curiosity.

Chaucer's use of a pilgrimage as a framing device for storytelling was revolutionary. This narrative structure has influenced countless works and is a testament to his innovative literary techniques.