Byronic Hero - A Morose and Guilt- Ridden Figure

Abstract

Byron"s reputation as a poet largely derives from the autobiographical character of Byronic Hero. His heroes Childe Harold, Corsair, Lara, Manfred, and Conrad etc. are a symbol of revolt against contemporary religious and moral practice. The Byronic hero is portrayed as an outsider with contradictory nature; cruel and kind; devoted but unfaithful; never contended but always seeking out new sensations and above all remorseful and guilty over a past nameless sin. They diffuse all round them the curse which weighs upon their destiny; they destroy themselves and destroy the unlucky women who come within their orbit. The satanic pride and anger for the divine order is an inherent trait of the Byronic hero. He seems to be always at war with the divine law. He brings about the tragedy by his own tragic deeds resulting in death and destruction. There was a close association between Byron and his hero. This Byronic hero fascinated him.