SerranoNotes-+Chaucer+-+Background

Background Jeffery Chaucer was born around Born around 1300-1340. He was born into a financially secure family but he held no title. In 1359 joined the army to fight the French in the Hundred Years’ War (1337 – 1453) was captured and ransomed. He returned as a squire but because he was intelligent and witty, he rose in the ranks of the court and in 1367, became valet for the King Edward II. Chaucer married Philippa de Roet which moved him up on his social standings. He was sent on many diplomatic missions which allowed him to see Italy and France. The Knights Tale was based works of Boccaccio which he learned from when he was in Italy. When John of Gaunt left for a military expedition Chaucer lost all of his political power. During his unemployment Chaucer began writing the Canterbury tales.