What makes Chaucer the greatest master of narrative in English verse. (MEG 101 CHAUCER)

Geoffrey Chaucer is widely considered to be the greatest master of narrative in English verse, and there are several reasons for this. First, Chaucer was a master of characterisation, creating memorable and fully-realised characters in his works, each with their own unique voice, perspective, and flaws.

Second, Chaucer was a master of form and structure. His use of the frame narrative in the Canterbury Tales, for example, allowed him to explore a wide range of topics and themes through a variety of voices and perspectives, while also giving his work a unifying structure.

Third, Chaucer was a master of language and style. His use of the vernacular Middle English allowed him to reach a wide audience, and his verse style, which drew on a variety of poetic traditions, from the French romance to the Italian canzone, was both innovative and engaging.

Finally, Chaucer was a master of wit and irony. His works are full of subtle, biting irony and satire, which often reveal as much about the social and cultural contexts in which they were written as they do about the characters and situations they depict. All of these elements combine to make Chaucer one of the greatest narrative poets in the English language, and a master of his craft.