Byronic Heroes in Classic Literature
This Byronic hero seeks vengeance and love in Wuthering Heights.
Who is Heathcliff? (Wuthering Heights 1847)
To feel isolated or estranged, especially from a society
What is alienation?
This term is used to describe a character who is a complex, moody, and rebellious protagonist with a troubled past
What is Byronic Hero?
Heathcliff’s obsessive love for this character drives much of his torment and brooding nature
Who is Catherine Earnshaw?
"I am vengeance, I am the night, I am ..."
Who is Batman/Bruce Wayne? (Batman: The Animated Series 1992)
Originating from an impoverished family in North Dakota, this character eventually came to prominence during the roaring 20s
Who is Jay Gatsby/James Gatz? (The Great Gatsby 1925)
Having or revealing an exaggerated sense of one's own importance or abilities
What is arrogance?
In what century was the Byronic Hero archetype created?
What is 1800s/19th century?
Heathcliff’s tragic upbringing as an orphan adopted into the Earnshaw family highlights this common Byronic hero trait.
What is a dark/troubled/traumatic past?
"I am your father"
Who is Darth Vader? (Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back 1980)
Originally a very arrogant man of England's upper class. This character eventually learns to see people more for who they are, rather than their social status
Who is Mr. Darcy/Fitzwilliam Darcy? (Pride and Prejudice 1813)
Byronic heroes tend to face a tragic end, often because of this (something they can’t escape from)
What is fate?
This famous poet is widely considered to be the creator and the inspiration behind the term "Byronic hero"
Who is Lord Byron?
Heathcliff gains control over Wuthering Heights by taking advantage of Hindley's alcoholism and debts. Showing this Byronic trait
What is manipulative/Cunning?
"That is without a doubt the worst pirate I have ever seen"
Who is Captain Jack Sparrow? (Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl 2003)
This tormented prince of Denmark is one of Shakespeare’s most famous Byronic characters
Who is Hamlet (Hamlet 1623)
This common trait of a Byronic hero makes them defy rules and often act in ways that others don’t understand
What is rebellion?
Lord Byron had a pet of this exotic species that he kept at Cambridge because dogs were banned on campus.
What is a bear?
Daily Double!!!
What is obsessiveness/Obsessive nature (especially with love)
“Chemistry is the study of change”
Who is Walter White? (Breaking Bad 2008)
Daily Double!!!
Who is Lady Macbeth? (Macbeth 1623)
to have a general distrust of people and their motives, and to believe that people are only interested in themselves
What is cynical?
The literary work by Lord Byron, often considered semi-autobiographical, introduced the world to one of the first true Byronic heroes.
What is Childe Harold's Pilgrimage?
Heathcliff's relentless pursuit of vengeance on those who wronged him. Creates a cycle of suffering for everyone involved. Ultimately causing more harm to Heathcliff and showing this common nature of the Byronic archetype
What is self destructiveness/self destructive nature?
"I had wings once, and they were strong. But they were stolen from me"
Who is Maleficent? (Maleficent 2014)