the fifteenth century
the age of chaucer
the period between 1343 and 1450 was known as the age of chaucer
marked the significant literary age in english literature
heralded a new era of learning - this age witnessed many social, political and religious changes
major events
dislike for the church's interference; which previously had been the citadel of morality
strong nationalistic passions due to the 100 years of england and france
social corruption and superstitions were very much prevalent
charged atmosphere due to peasant's uprisings in england
the middle class emerged as a strong social stratum
transition from feudal setup towards a free society
medievalism to modernism
black death - affected a third of the country's population
decrease in labor and employment as well
characteristics of the age
emergence of standardised english - saw great expression and achievement in the masterpieces of chaucer
chauer's use of language - to describe a man and his place is embellished with beauty, simplicity anf humour
the daily account of details of blooming garden in spring to human characteristics
the age is also known for it's scathing criticism of the established order and religion
church's control of temporal affairs of man - this was challenged during this period
renewed interest in common man's interest - themes
the theme of derision of romance
historical fables and romance of Medieval age was eschewed for more humanistic themes
period of social and intellectual movements in literature and politics - scientific realm as well
new forms of poetry - narrative and descriptive poetry
chaucer himself was known for his trenchant observations
prose writing is both original and individual
characteristics pt 2
formation of allegory was refined
return of alliteration - replaced the rhymes of the middle ages
birth of english poetry - flourished and assumed an unparalleled position
spencer became the father of diction - no poetic diction before this age
the poetry saw an amalgamation of religion, humanism and secular passions