In 1341, the first recorded use of a mechanical clock was documented in Italy, specifically in the city of Milan. This invention represented a significant advancement in technology, allowing for more precise timekeeping than ever before. The mechanical clock not only transformed daily life but also influenced the rhythms of work and creativity, which were crucial for poets and writers who relied on structured time for their artistic endeavors.

The introduction of mechanical clocks altered the perception of time in society, which is reflected in the works of poets like Geoffrey Chaucer. The new understanding of time as a measurable commodity influenced poetic forms and themes, as seen in Chaucer's 'The Canterbury Tales,' where time and its passage play a critical role in storytelling and character development.