Manfred

Question 1

What is a closet drama?

Answer 1

A play meant for the mind not the theatre

Question 2

What is the significance of exile in Manfred?

Answer 2

• Manfred is trying to escape the memory of the affair he had with his sister
• In trying to escape this he is actually escaping everything
• Manfred exiles himself to the Alps and avoids human interaction
• Manfred believes he has obtained a level of knowledge that sets him apart from other humans

Question 3

Explain the Byronic Hero

Answer 3

• Brooding, depressed, melancholy
• Has a dark secret, a hidden crime that he is tormented by
• Usually wealthy and good looking
• Aristocratic pedigree but they are detached from society and usually in a state of solitude or exile
• Mad, bad, dangerous to know
• Passionate and self-destructive

Question 4

Explain the significance of the supernatural in Manfred

Answer 4

-Manfred’s entire journey is for supernatural aid
Ex. He calls upon the witch of the moutain

• Because he thinks he is invincible Manfred shows no respect to the supernatural entities he encounters
• He tries to command the forces of nature (the seven spirits) and as a consequence gets cursed
• When he enters into the magic realm of Arimanes he transcends a metaphysical border

Question 5

What is the crime Manfred is holding himself accountable to?

Answer 5

Having an affair with his half sister

Question 6

How is Manfred autobiographical?

Answer 6

• The relationship between Manfred and Astarte reflects the relationship he had with his own sister
• Much of Byron’s work was confessional

Question 7

What are the similarities between Manfred and Frankenstein?

Answer 7

• Both Manfred and Frankenstein think of themselves as beyond the limitations of other humans and so they have an arrogance that ends up being their downfall
• They separate themselves and remain in self-chosen isolation
• Neither can see the long-term affects of their actions
• Both are in denial and want to forget (Victor wants to forget the monster and Manfred wants to forget Astarte)
• Both try to accomplish things that are beyond the ability of human beings (Manfred tries to manipulate his memories and Victor creates life)