What Are the Features of a Byronic Hero?
"Don Juan Canto-I" is a notable literary work by Lord Byron. A complete discussion of this literary work is given, which will help you enhance your literary skills and prepare for the exam. Read the Main texts, Key info, Summary, Themes, Characters, Literary devices, Quotations, Notes, and various study materials of "Don Juan Canto-I".
Answer
What are the features of a Byronic hero? Discuss with reference to Canto 1 of Don Juan.
Lord Byron’s (1788-1824) “Don Juan” presents a unique type of hero—the Byronic hero. Byron believed that a real man should be of flesh and blood with essential human feelings and emotions. From this belief, he created his heroes—who became known as the Byronic hero.
In “Don Juan, Canto I,” Byron says about his hero:
“I want a hero: an uncommon want,
I’ll therefore take our ancient friend Don Juan…”
Don Juan is a Byronic hero because he is rebellious, handsome, flawed, outcast, and deeply complex. Unlike traditional heroes, Byronic heroes do not always follow moral rules or behave in ways that society expects.
Rebellious Nature: A Byronic hero often goes against societal norms and rules. Don Juan fits this characteristic. Though raised by his strict mother, Donna Inez, to be virtuous and moral, Juan does not follow her expectations. Instead, he follows his emotions and desires—particularly in his relationships with women. For example, his affair with Donna Julia, a married woman, defies societal rules and morality. This shows rebellion in his character.
Handsome: Byronic heroes are usually charming and attractive. Don Juan is handsome, attractive, and adventurous. Juan’s physical attractiveness is revealed in these lines:
“Young Juan now was sixteen years of age,
Tall, handsome, slender, but well knit:”
Don Juan has an irresistible charm, especially with women. He does not try to seduce women actively. Women are drawn to him because of his innocence, good looks, and sweet nature. For example, Donna Julia falls in love with him despite being much older and married.
Not Purely Good: The Byronic hero is not purely good or dignified—rather he is a mixture of both good and evil. In respect of character, Juan is not too good. From his boyhood, he possessed some different qualities. The poet portrays him as a—
“mischief-making monkey from his birth”.
Though we find him humble, and obedientUnlock this study guide now