# Chaucer — Essays character guide

> Chaucer in Essays by Henry David Thoreau.

**Role:** minor

**First appearance:** 0016-chaucer

## Who they are

English poet; Thoreau examines his earthy realism.

## Relationships

### [The English](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/essays_2_se/characters/the_english)

_professional_

Chaucer, as a poet and civil servant, represents the English literary tradition and serves as a cultural touchstone for the English people.

### [Homer](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/essays_2_se/characters/homer)

_social_

Chaucer and Homer are linked as foundational poets of their respective literary traditions, representing a cross-cultural intellectual connection.

## In the story

### [The Landlord](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/essays_2_se/chapters/the-landlord)

Quoted for his description of the Host in the Canterbury Tales, which Thoreau uses to praise the ideal landlord.

### [Homer; Ossian; Chaucer](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/essays_2_se/chapters/homer-ossian-chaucer)

Praised for his earthy realism, humor, and moral clarity, reflecting the everyday life of medieval England.

### [Chaucer](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/essays_2_se/chapters/chaucer)

Praised as the father of English poetry, fresh and modern, with a natural and cheerful muse; compared to Homer and Shakespeare.

### [Walking](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/essays_2_se/chapters/walking)

Mentioned as one of the old prophets and poets who walked in nature.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/essays_2_se/characters/chaucer
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/essays_2_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/essays_2_se/characters