Some of the key differences between Shakespeare and Chaucer include:
Time Period: Chaucer wrote during the late medieval period, while Shakespeare wrote during the early modern period. This difference in time period is reflected in their respective use of language and their literary styles.
Language: Chaucer wrote in Middle English, while Shakespeare wrote in Early Modern English. This makes Chaucer's works more difficult for modern readers to understand, as many of the words he used are no longer in use.
Literary Style: Chaucer's works are primarily narrative poems, while Shakespeare's works are primarily dramas. This difference in literary style is due in part to the different audiences for which they wrote. Chaucer wrote for a courtly audience, while Shakespeare wrote for a more general audience.
Themes: Chaucer's works often deal with themes of love, courtly life, and morality, while Shakespeare's works explore a wider range of themes, including power, corruption, love, and loss.
Characters: Chaucer's works often feature stock characters, such as the knight, the wife, and the priest, while Shakespeare's works feature a wide range of complex and fully developed characters.
Impact on the English Language: Chaucer is credited with helping to standardize the English language, while Shakespeare is credited with expanding the English language and adding many new words to the dictionary.
Legacy: Chaucer is considered the Father of English Literature, while Shakespeare is considered the greatest writer of all time. Both Chaucer and Shakespeare have had a profound impact on English literature and culture, and their works continue to be read and enjoyed by people around the world.