This document discusses the "Byronic hero" trope in literature and popular culture. It originated from the poetry of Lord Byron, whose ill-fated but emotionally passionate characters came to be known as "Byronic heroes". These anti-heroes are characterized as having advanced intelligence, cunning, sophistication, introspection, mystery, charisma, emotional instability and disregard for societal conventions. Famous examples from the 19th century include characters from works by Byron, Emily Bronte, and Charles Dickens. The trope continued in works of the 20th century by James Joyce, in films like The Crow, and in characters like Batman and Dr. House. The document also provides context on Lord Byron's

1. George Gordon, Lord Byron

2. Byronic Hero ‘’Hey, Johnny, What are you rebelling against’’? ‘’What’ve you got’’? - Marlon Brando Movies such as Marlon Brando’s ‘’Wild One’’ have popularized the ideal of an irresistible bad boy, glamorous in his fatal passion, rivaling society with a hell-bent glare. This bad boy stereotype first entered English culture in the poetry of Lord Byron. These ill-fated but beautifully emotional characters are called “Byronic Heroes.”

3. Byronic Hero- Characteristics Anti-hero, dark side Advanced intelligence and perception cunning and able to adapt sophisticated and educated self-critical and introspective, internal struggle mysterious, magnetic and charismatic Seductive, socially and sexually dominant Emotionally unstable, moody, cynical, arrogant, self-destructive Rails against conventional society, disregards authority, rank, privilege

4. Examples: 19th century Byron’s: Manfred, Childe Harold Wuthering Heights – Heathcliff Jane Eyre – Mr. Rochester Phantom of the Opera – Erik aka “The Phantom” 20th Century: James Joyce’s - Stephen Daedelus The Crow Spawn Batman Dr. Gregory House Vampire Chronicles - Lestat

5. Don Juan Parody/Satire Lofty epic All things Romantic – anti Wordsworthian Somewhat typical of late romantics “modern folly” Pokes fun at: Religion and morality Authority Nothing is sacred Pokes fun at himself as well Holds respect for: Sexual love

6. Don Juan Narrator Parodies the intrusive narrators of previous literary generations Extraordinarily self-concious Gets off topic On tangents Breaks the “fourth wall”

7. Don Juan Still retains some Romantic traits Democracy, revolution Divinity of