Chaucer Develops Vernacular Narrative in The Canterbury Tales
At a glance:
- Series: Chronology of European History
- Categories: Literature, Publishing, Language, Linguistics, Philology
- Subcategories: Authors, Writers
- Curriculum: British History, Medieval History/Middle Ages
- Geographical Location: England
- Date: c. 1387
Article abstract: Chaucer develops vernacular narrative in The Canterbury Tales, creating a unique English literary language and bringing to life a distinctly English scene.
Summary of Event
Geoffrey Chaucer’s decision to write poetry in English was a watershed event in the English linguistic and literary traditions. His use of English helped to bring prestige to that language, and it demonstrated the fluency and stylistic variety of which the language was capable. In The Canterbury Tales in particular, Chaucer contributes important stylistic...
[The entire page is 1617 words long]
Join eNotes
Over 3,500 study guides, question and answer forums, literature criticism, reference content, and much more!
