Religious vs. Supernatural
Throughout this text we hear Manfred continually lamenting his guilty, sinful nature. How do you think this works together with Byron's upbringing and the conflict with his personal life?
Autobiographical
The critic of this poem relies in the idea that Manfred is in fact a representation of Byron after the accusations of an incestuous affair with his half sister. The mix of his religious upbringing and the less than moral life he lives manifests in Manfred's desire to plot out his guilt even though his methods oppose the religious beliefs.
Themes
- Guilt-Manfred's unmentioned sin and not requesting more days
- Suicide and religion- opposition wanting to end a life to atone for sin, but losing eternity
Lord Byron
Synopsis
Born: January 22, 1788 in London, England
Died: April 19, 1824 in Missolonghi, Greece
George Gordon Noel Byron was born into a noble family that was slowly losing its grandeur as a noble family. Byron's father died in 1791 leaving the family impoverished. With a lame foot and a Calvinistic upbringing, Byron expressed himself through poetry. In 1798 his granducle died leaving Byron with the title and estate. Byron attened Harrow for four years and then proceeded to Trinity College, Cambridge.
Byron lived an amorous life continually shocking society with his affairs. Accused of having incestuous relationship, much of his work reflects this theme. Byron traveled throughout Europe staying for a stint of time with the poet Shelley.
Manfred calls upon 7 spirits to grant him relief from the guilt he feels in his life. Each spirit is unable to grant him forgiveness or forgetfulness for the past sins he has committed. Attempting to take his own life,fate stops him throughout the poem while he grapples with the weight of his guilt. In the end, Manfred defies the spirits and commits suicide going against the religious ideals of redemption
If we take this as an autobiographical reading, what does this say about Byron's religious convictions and choice to live an amoral life?
Manfred, A Dramatic Poem