Who among the following is an early Tudor poet?

The correct option is John Skelton.

Step-by-step Explanation:

1. Understanding the Tudor Period:
The Tudor period of English history began in 1485 when Henry VII ascended the throne, and ended with the death of Elizabeth I in 1603. Early Tudor literature generally spans the late 15th century to the mid-16th century, covering the reigns of Henry VII and the early reign of Henry VIII.

2. Analyzing John Skelton:
John Skelton (c. 1463 – 1529) was an English poet who served as a tutor to the young Prince Henry (who later became King Henry VIII) and was appointed Poet Laureate. His active writing career took place during the reigns of Henry VII and Henry VIII, which places him firmly in the early Tudor period. He is celebrated for his highly original, fast-paced, and short-lined satirical poetry, a style now known as "Skeltonics."

3. Analyzing the other options:
• Geoffrey Chaucer (c. 1343 – 1400): Active during the late Middle Ages (Plantagenet era), he is widely considered the father of English poetry and wrote The Canterbury Tales, well before the Tudor dynasty began.
• William Langland (c. 1332 – c. 1386): A Middle English poet from the 14th century, famous for the allegorical narrative poem Piers Plowman.
• John Gower (c. 1330 – 1408): A contemporary and friend of Geoffrey Chaucer who wrote during the late Middle English period.

Therefore, John Skelton is the only early Tudor poet among the options listed.