Chaucer:  as a Great English Poet

Chaucer is generally enthroned with the title of the father of English poetry as John Dryden gave veneration “fatherhood of English poetry” to him. But this outcome is not simply based on his historical position but because of his inherent merits and the achievements that were so positive. When we call Chaucer the father of English poetry, we mean to say as Matthew Arnold says, "With him is born our real poetry," During his times, English was not developed to the extent that one could write poetry in it. “He found English dialect and left it language”. He adapted East Midland Dialect and made it for his poetry. The seeds that he sowed through his poetry do not remain limited to poetry alone but their plants are seen in the yards of English drama and fiction as well. He was indeed the first realist, the first humorist and ironist, the first great character-painter, the first great narrative artist and the first great metrical artist in English literature. He created the literary form of English language from which emanated modern English. Thus, he is also deemed as Father of English Literature and language. It was in the hands of Chaucer that English poetry became for the first time European because Chaucer initiated that early phase of Renaissance in England. Infact, Chaucer is the first great English poet by virtue of his being also the first great European poet.

Realism and Humour

Like Pope and Tennyson, Chaucer too represents his own Age and holds the mirror to the life of his time. His poetry reflects the fourteenth century not in fragments but as a complete whole. He imparts solid touch of realism in the portrayal of his characters in the Canterbury Tales. Chaucer was the first realist, humorist, and ironist in English literature. He excelled in character painting, narrative artistry, and metrical innovations. His poetry set the stage for the emergence of modern English, and he taught his countrymen the art of harmoniously linking accentual rather than syllabic meter.

European Influence

Chaucer's impact extended beyond England; he was instrumental in introducing the early phase of the Renaissance to England. Through his works, English literature was infused with the universal spirit of ancient literature, connecting the English with their continental neighbours.

Contributions to English Language

Chaucer significantly contributed to the development of the English language. He transformed the despised English tongue of his time, shaping and polishing it to suit his poetic purposes. By favoring the East Midland dialect, he established it as the standard literary language for generations to come.

Contribution to English Versification

Chaucer's influence on English versification was monumental. He abandoned the old Saxon alliterative measure, adopting the French method of regular end-rhymed lines. He introduced the decasyllabic line from France and refined it under Italian influence, creating the heroic line used for English narrative and satire. Additionally, his invention of the "rhyme royal" became an essential poetic form.

Narrative Skill

Chaucer was a master storyteller, and his poetry showcased exceptional narrative skill. "The Canterbury Tales" and "Troilus and Criseyde" stand as testaments to his ability to engage readers with vivid characters, action, and variety. He keeps the interest of his readers by his humour and subtle irony. His stories are based on straightforwardness, with minimum of description and moralising. The style is appropriate to each story.

Humor and Pathos

Chaucer's humor was refreshing and uplifting, making him stand out in a time when most poets lacked a sense of fun in their works. His humour is sympathetic and gentle. It is without a grain of ill-will and malice. Despite his humour, he skillfully blended pathos into his tales, creating moments of deep emotion and sympathy. He is a master of smiles as well as tears.

Humanism and Realism

Chaucer's humane approach to his characters and keen observation of human nature set him apart as a Dickens in poetry. His realism, combined with a spirit of comradeship, continues to resonate with modern readers.

Nature Descriptions

Chaucer's humane approach to his characters and keen observation of human nature set him apart as a Dickens in poetry. His interest in humanity is characterized by his wide sympathy for all sorts of people. He was interested in all types of human beings, good as well as bad. His proper interest lay in the study of mankind. He had an immense enthusiasm for life in this world, for fellow-creatures, high and low, good and evil, real men and women, knights and summoners, millers and parsons, monks and merchants, delicate cloistered ladies and boisterous wives of Bath. His realism, combined with a spirit of comradeship, continues to resonate with modern readers.

Contribution to Novel and Drama

Chaucer's poetry contains the elements of early novels and plays, even though he didn't write in these forms. "The Canterbury Tales" can be seen as a precursor to the novel, and his works possess dramatic qualities, making him a natural dramatist.

Chaucer's Appeal to Modern Times

Chaucer's work holds a profound and timeless appeal to modern readers. His relatable characters, fresh outlook, and optimistic and joyous spirit make him a poet for all ages.

Chaucer's Limitations

Some critics argue that Chaucer lacked the sublime ideals and high seriousness found in other great classical poets like Homer, Dante, Shakespeare, and Milton. However, this judgment fails to appreciate the beauty of Chaucer's work and the profound humanity that infuses it.

Chaucer's Place in English Literature

Chaucer's genius and contributions to English literature are undeniable. He has been celebrated and admired by writers and critics throughout the ages, and his influence on subsequent generations of poets and playwrights is evident in their work.

In conclusion, Geoffrey Chaucer's significance as the father of English poetry lies not only in his historical position but also in his intrinsic merits as a poet. His realism, humor, humanism, and contributions to English language and versification ensure that his poetry continues to be cherished and celebrated in modern times.