Who is considered the father of English literature?

"The father of English Literature" is an expression reserved for Geoffrey Chaucer. He is best known for writing The Canterbury Tales, a collection of twenty-four stories written at the end of the 14th century. Chaucer was a prolific poet and author (as well as astronomer and diplomat) of English descent, and is credited with legitimizing Middle English with his canonical works. He also championed some of the most quintessential and enduring elements of Western poetry, including heroic couplets and iambic pentameter.

However, if we are considering more broadly any "father" of English Literature, many names could come into play. William Shakespeare, a playwright and poet of the 16th and early 17th century, made an immense impact on both English literature and English language. Given the time period in which he produced his works, perhaps he would be referred to as "the father of Modern English Literature." Along these lines, the names Edmund Spenser, Charles Dickens, and John Milton also apply as "fathers of English literature."

Who is considered the first father of English literature?

Chaucer, certainly. In addition to the contributions already mentioned, Chaucer created a rich portrait of English society during his time. Through the choice of pilgrims he included on the journey, he captured almost every aspect of society, except for royalty. Also, his social criticism of the corruption in the Church was quite pointed and memorable.

I agree with the previous post.  The ideas of Chaucer's development of characterizations and a large depiction of the motivations of characters in his work become critical elements in English literature after Chaucer.  The notion of creating multi dimensional characters are powerful elements in the landmarks of post Chaucer English Literature.

Because he wrote "The Canterbury Tales" in the vernacular of the English people, Geoffrey Chaucer is often credited with being the "Father of English literature."  During Chaucer's lifetime, most literary works were written in French; in fact, Chaucer himself wrote in French and Italian; certainly his poetry was modeled upon French poetry.  However, he chose to write in the Old English that was popular with those who were not necessarily among the nobility. In addition, his stories have a humor and freedom that anticipated the works of such English greats as Henry Fielding.

Also, he did introduce iambic pentameter into poetry, a meter that many a reader recognizes as that of William Shakespeare and is prevalent in much of English and American poetry.