Discuss Dryden's description of Chaucer as "the father of English poetry" (MEG 101 CHAUCER)

John Dryden, the great 17th-century English poet and critic, described Chaucer as "the father of English poetry" in his work "The Preface to Fables". In this work, Dryden praised Chaucer's contributions to English literature and language, and explained why he believed Chaucer deserved this title.

According to Dryden, Chaucer was the first English writer to master the art of versification and create a literary tradition in English. Dryden saw Chaucer as the "original of our English poetry" and the first to write in a language that was not "rude and barbarous" like the Old English used in the Anglo-Saxon period. Chaucer's work, according to Dryden, was instrumental in establishing English as a legitimate language for literature and helped to bring about the Renaissance in England.

Furthermore, Dryden believed that Chaucer was not just a great poet, but also a great storyteller. He saw Chaucer's ability to create vivid and memorable characters and stories as one of his greatest strengths. Dryden felt that Chaucer's writing had a realism and a humor that made it accessible to a wide audience, and that this accessibility was key to Chaucer's success.

Overall, Dryden saw Chaucer as a master of both form and content, whose work helped to establish English as a great literary language. His contributions to English poetry and storytelling were seen by Dryden as the foundation upon which English literature was built, and his legacy continues to be felt to this day.