MIDDLE ENGLISH PERIOD: GEOFFREY CHAUCER AND HIS AGE
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Keywords

Middle English, Geoffrey Chaucer, Canterbury Tales, medieval literature, English language, fourteenth century.

Abstract

The Middle English period (approximately 1066–1500) represents one of the most significant stages in the development of English language and literature. During this era, English underwent profound linguistic, social, and cultural transformations influenced by the Norman Conquest and the gradual emergence of a distinct English identity. Among the literary figures of this period, Geoffrey Chaucer occupies a central position. Often referred to as the "Father of English Literature", Chaucer played a crucial role in establishing English as a literary language. His masterpiece, The Canterbury Tales, provides a vivid portrayal of fourteenth-century English society while demonstrating remarkable literary innovation. This paper examines the historical background of the Middle English period, Chaucer’s life and works, the characteristics of his age, and his lasting contribution to English literature.

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References

The Canterbury Tales. Edited by Larry D. Benson. Houghton Mifflin, 1987.

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3. The Riverside Chaucer. Houghton Mifflin.

4. David Wallace. The Cambridge History of Medieval English Literature.

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8. English Literature Through the Ages.