Question

The theme of the 'Byronic hero,' a brooding, rebellious, and often tormented character, became prominent in the literature of this period. Which Gothic novel prominently features such a character?

• A. The Castle of Otranto
• B. The Mysteries of Udolpho
• C. The Vampyre
• D. Frankenstein

Answer 1

Answer:

C. The Vampyre

The Byronic Hero in English Literature

• The Byronic hero is a literary archetype that emerged during the Romantic era, heavily influenced by the life and poetry of Lord Byron.
• Key characteristics of a Byronic hero include:
  • A brooding and introspective nature.
  • A rebellious spirit, often against societal norms or authority.
  • A past shrouded in mystery or marked by a significant transgression.
  • Intellectual and often arrogant demeanor.
  • A tendency towards self-destruction or melancholy.
  • Charismatic yet flawed personality.
• The Romantic period (roughly late 18th to mid-19th century) saw a surge in Gothic literature, which often explored themes of darkness, mystery, and the supernatural.
• Gothic novels frequently featured characters embodying the Byronic hero archetype due to the genre's fascination with flawed protagonists and psychological depth.
• 'The Vampyre' (1819) by John William Polidori is a seminal Gothic novella that prominently features a Byronic hero in its protagonist, Lord Ruthven.
• Lord Ruthven exemplifies the Byronic hero through his aristocratic background, his mysterious and predatory nature, his charm concealing a dark heart, and his detachment from conventional morality.
• Polidori was Lord Byron's personal physician, and 'The Vampyre' was partly inspired by a ghost story writing competition among Byron, Percy Bysshe Shelley, Mary Shelley, and Polidori himself.
• This novella is considered a foundational work for the modern vampire literary tradition, greatly influencing later works like Bram Stoker's 'Dracula.'
• The popularity of the Byronic hero extended beyond 'The Vampyre' and influenced many other literary characters and works throughout the 19th century and beyond.
• In competitive exams, understanding the Byronic hero and its manifestation in key literary works like 'The Vampyre' is crucial for questions related to literary archetypes, Romantic literature, and Gothic fiction.