How did Chaucer's use of the vernacular contribute to the development of British literature?

Geoffrey Chaucer is often referred to as the 'Father of English Literature' for his pivotal role in legitimizing the use of the Middle English vernacular in literary works as opposed to Latin or French, which were the dominant literary languages of the era. His best-known work, The Canterbury Tales, is considered a cornerstone of English literature and reflects a diverse representation of contemporary English society. The vernacular use allowed literature to be more accessible to the common people, facilitating the development of a rich literary tradition in Britain that drew from the real-life experiences and dialects of its people.

For more details, refer to Chaucer's biographical context and his works:

• Encyclopedia Britannica - Geoffrey Chaucer
• Poetry Foundation - Geoffrey Chaucer