Chaucer is considered the father of the English language and the founder of realism. His work marked in the history of English literature the transition from the Middle Ages to the Renaissance and the establishment of new principles for depicting life and the disclosure of human character. There are three principal phases of Geoffrey Chaucer’s poetic career, including the French, Italian, and English periods. Chaucer’s youthful period (until about 1379) is usually called French because of the strong influence of French courtly literature. This period includes the translation from French into English of one of the most famous works of the Middle Ages – Roman de la Rose, which brought him some fame. The first work of Chaucer, the time of which can be determined with accuracy – the poem Book of the Duchess – was written in 1369. During this period, Chaucer showed his extraordinary ability for bright and colorful descriptions.
The second period of Chaucer’s work (between 1380-1386) is called Italian because it is associated with travels to this country and the study of its culture. During his stay in Italy, Chaucer studied Italian and became thoroughly acquainted with Italian poets. This acquaintance was reflected in his works after a trip to Italy. They often contain borrowings from Dante, Petrarch, and Boccaccio; their thoughts are often quoted, poetical turns are borrowed, sometimes long tirades, and sometimes even the plots of poetic works. During this period, all the main pieces of the poet were created, including the poems Parlement of Foules, The House of Fame, Troylus, and Chryseide in Latin, as well as Legend of Good Women. The study of Italian and Latin classics influenced the formal side of Chaucer’s poetry. Thus, it received grace and completeness, unprecedented until that time in English literature.
Finally, during the English period of Chaucer’s work, which began in the late 80s and lasted until the poet’s death, he created his most significant work – The Canterbury Tales. It is a poetic narration consisting of more than 20 stories, which pilgrims – representatives of almost all social strata of England at that time – tell each other on the way to the tomb of St. Thomas Beckett. Although The Canterbury Tales remained unfinished, their significance to English poetry, literature, and literary English is invaluable.