The Age of Chaucer

The Age of Chaucer

Mostly the age of Chaucer was medieval-unscientific, superstitious, chivalrous, religious-minded and “backward” in most respects.

But still it was an age of transition. It implies a shift from the medieval to modern times and the emergence of the English nation from the “dark ages” to the age of enlightenment.

In fact Chaucer’s age was moving towards the dawn of the Renaissance and the Reformation, which were a couple of centuries ahead.

·         What was the Renaissance?

·         What was the Reformation?

·         What was the Hundred Years’ War?

Ans. It was the period between 1337 to 1443, in which there were several skirmishes (small fights) between England and France. The whole period taken together is known as ‘the Hundred Years’ War’.

·         The Black Death:

In Chaucer’s times, most of the people lived in poverty and squalor. Event the educated nobles avoided using soap while bathing. Even the physicians considered it harmful for health. As a result of it, England had to face several epidemics like plague. The severest attack of plague in England was in 1348 in which approximately one thirds of the total population of England was eliminated. The black knotty boils used to appear on the body of the victims of plague. That’s why it was termed as ‘Black Death’

·         The Peasants’ Revolt

·         Labourers’ Unrest

The Peasants’ Revolt:

·         It occurred during the reign of Richard II in 1381.

·         It was led by Kentish priest John Ball who preached ‘dignity of labour’.

·         There was a big shortage of labour in those days because of a large number of deaths in England due to epidemics like pestilence (plague).

·         At that time the king had promised reforms but later on he backed out from his promise, therefore there was unrest among the peasants.