The Byronic Hero Essay - 692 Words

A hero proves his heroism when faced with opposition. He is shrewd, tough, clear-sighted, experienced, and able to handle adversity in a well equipped manner. However, unlike most heroes, the Byronic hero does not receive satisfaction simply from possessing these traits. The Byronic hero sees himself as an individual who practices non conformity. He is a hero of consciousness more than a hero of action. These qualities of the Byronic hero are demonstrated in Lord Byron’s description of Napoleon. Byron begins his description in Stanza 36. He points out that Napoleon is â€Å"Extreme in all things!† I believe that this trait means that the Byronic hero is neither to the left nor the right, but eternally caught in the middle of both†¦show more content†¦It creates the line that comes between other heroes and the Byronic hero. Stanza 39 is saying that even though those who once praised him now mock him, Napoleon is not going to go quietly in to the night, so to speak. Line 350 says â€Å"He stood unbowed beneath the ills upon him piled.† This line points out the integrity factor that the Byronic hero possess. All though those who were once with him are now against him, he is not going to let them control his fate, instead he stands with his head tall, integrity in place. This also hints at non conformity. Most heroes would probably have laid with down and died along with their pride, but once again, Napoleon stood tall, refusing to go along with the norm. Another Byronic hero trait is the belief that the very thing that makes up great is the very thing that will eventually destroy us. This aspect is demonstrated in Stanza 40, which states, â€Å" Sager than in thy fortunes; for in them ambition steel’d thee on too far to show That just habitual scorn which could contemn Men and their thoughts; ‘twas wise to feel, not so To wear it ever on thy lip and brow, and spurn the instruments thou wert to use Till they were turn’d unto thine overthrow: ‘Tis but a worthless world to win or lose; So hath it proved to thee, and all such lot who choose.† Another trait that the Byronic hero possesses is the problem of being destroyed by the very thing that makes the hero great. I believe thatShow MoreRelatedThe Hero Of Manfred : A Byronic Hero1007 Words   |  5 PagesA Byronic hero is created out of many different kinds of traits. Some common characteristics are usually a noble outlaw, a mysterious personality, and a sense of rebellion. The characteristic of a Byronic hero was first introduced by Lord Byron, a 19th century English poet. 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