Chapter 4: The Age of Chaucer (1340–1400)

Welcome to the definitive study hub for the Middle English period. The 14th century was an era of plague, rebellion, and monumental linguistic shift, culminating in the golden age of Middle English literature. Below, you will find 23 meticulously organized modules designed to help you master Geoffrey Chaucer, his contemporaries, and the birth of English prose for your UGC NET examination.

GEOFFREY CHAUCER The Contemporaries Gower, Langland, Pearl Canterbury Tales Prologue & Major Stories Early Prose Wyclif & Mandeville 15th C. Transition Malory, Lydgate, Barbour The Literary Topography of the 14th Century

I. Historical Context & Chaucer’s Life

4 Modules

II. The Canterbury Tales: General Prologue

7 Modules

III. The Canterbury Tales: The Stories

4 Modules

IV. Chaucer’s Contemporaries & Poetry

3 Modules

V. The Birth of Early English Prose

2 Modules

VI. The 15th Century Transition & Scotland

3 Modules

Study Tip: For the UGC NET exam, prioritize the character details in the General Prologue, the sources of the individual Canterbury Tales, and the major works of Langland and Gower. Good luck!

Tags: Age of Chaucer, Middle English Period, UGC NET Paper 2, Study Guide, Index | Published: May 5, 2026

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📖 Further Reading

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A step-by-step guide to active recall for retaining complex theorists.

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