Manfred (ePub)

George Gordon Byron, more commonly known as Lord Byron (1788-1824), was a prominent figure of the Romantic movement, distinguished by his flamboyant and controversial lifestyle as much as by his literary achievements. Born in London, Byron inherited his title at the age of ten, which elevated him into the ranks of the British aristocracy. Best known for his lyrical and long-form poetry, Byron's works encompass a vast range of themes, from love to social critique. 'Manfred', a Faustian dramatic poem published in 1817, stands as a notable example of his dramatic and introspective style, reflecting his own tortured soul through the titular character-a tortured noble tormented by guilt and seeking solace in the supernatural. Byron's adept use of Byronic heroes-brooding, tortured individuals with a disdain for societal norms and a marked predilection for melancholy-permeated not just 'Manfred' but also other works such as 'Childe Harold's Pilgrimage' and 'Don Juan'. His mastery of the Spenserian stanza and the ottava rima is particularly noteworthy, showcasing the lyrical prowess that has come to define his contributions to English literature. Byron's legacy extends beyond his written work; his life and personality have left a lasting imprint on the cultural psyche, and his notoriety as both a social pariah and a literary genius continues to be the subject of scholarly fascination and debate.