Context For Byron Flashcards
What generation of poets was Byron
-2nd gen poet — had two schools (satanic + cockney) Byron was in satanic school as didn’t believe in god + a non-conformist
-this gen influenced by political + historical issues
-Fr rev ignited expectations Br implement social justice — sweep of terror led many close to nervous collapse
-war against Fr weakened Br trade — unemployment rose, age gap middle + working widened, TUs forbidden, freedom press oppressed = led to social unrest
-napoleon is wars forced Byron avoid touring Europe + tour Mediterranean instead
Who was Byron as a person
-Lady Caroline Lamb described him as ‘mad, bad + dangerous to know’
-lived adventurous life in true spirit of romantic hero
-was rich + handsome
-brilliant conversationalist but indulged in drinking, drugs + gambling (hedonistic)
-grand tour 1809 — Sp, Port, Alb, Malta, Gr + Middle East which greatly influenced work
What was the Byronic Hero
-a rejector of conventional moral roles/standards
-romantic hero as a type of fictional character that is often moody, a brooding rebel + haunted by dark secret of past
-outsider to society
-Byron didn’t have mindset be a romantic hero/poet —strong criticism against WW, Colerdige + Keats
What did Byron believe in
-individual liberty
-fought against constraints
-did all he could to be himself
-advocated freedom for all men
-spoke out against social injustice with satirical style
What are scandalous parts of Byron’s life
-sexual relationship with half sister which led to hedonistic + extreme lifestyle
-fled England due to affair 1816
-travelled Europe with his doctor + ended up in Italy
-drugs + alcohol key part of hedonistic lifestyle + notorious affairs
-1823 fought with Greek insurgents in Gr war independence against Ottoman Empire
-died from fever 1824 in Missolonghi + gained notoriety for scandalous life
Key characteristics of Byronic hero
-cunning + able to adapt
-sophisticated + educated
-self critics + introspective
-distaste for social institutions + norms
-troubled past
-arrogant + self destructive behaviour
-social + sexual dominance
