Lord Byron and John Keats: A Comparative Analysis of Romantic Poetry

Lord Byron (1788-1824): A Controversial Romantic Figure

Early Life and Reputation

George Gordon Byron, known as Lord Byron, was a prominent figure of the Romantic era. Despite his handsome appearance, he had a deformed foot, which caused him to limp. While considered the embodiment of Romanticism in Europe, his reputation in England was tarnished due to his numerous love affairs and unconventional lifestyle, including rumors of incest and homosexuality. Despite his aristocratic background, Byron opposed absolutist monarchies, showcasing a contradiction in his beliefs. He died in Greece while fighting for their independence from Turkey, solidifying his image as a romantic hero.

Byron's Travels and Literary Influence

Byron's travels throughout Europe, from Spain to Albania and Athens, inspired his narrative poem, Childe Harold's Pilgrimage. This four-part poem follows the journey of a disillusioned young man seeking distraction from his worldly weariness in foreign lands. The poem introduces the concept of the "Byronic hero," a character archetype known for being both attractive and morally flawed. Byron's friendship with Percy Bysshe Shelley also influenced the latter's famous work, Frankenstein.

Don Juan: A Satirical Epic

Overview and Controversy

Don Juan, Byron's epic poem, is a satirical take on the legend of Don Juan. Unlike the traditional portrayal of Don Juan as a womanizer, Byron presents him as an innocent and easily seduced young man. The poem's immoral content drew criticism, forcing Byron to leave England for Italy. Despite the controversy, Don Juan is considered a realistic masterpiece, reflecting the complexities of human nature and combining colloquial and sophisticated language.

Form and Style

Don Juan is written in ottava rima, an eight-line stanza with an ABABABCC rhyme scheme. The first six lines present a serious idea, while the final couplet, often with a feminine rhyme, introduces a humorous twist. This use of exaggerated rhyme creates a satirical effect. The poem is written in iambic pentameter, a rhythmic pattern of five pairs of unstressed and stressed syllables per line.

Narrator and Setting

The narrator of Don Juan is cynical, sassy, and all-knowing, reflecting Byron's own personality. The setting of Spain, with its reputation for being archaic and exotic, adds to the poem's allure. The portrayal of Don Juan can be seen as a prime example of Spanish exoticism, with humorous mispronunciations of Spanish words highlighting the cultural differences.

Plot and Themes

Don Juan consists of 17 cantos and a dedication to Robert Southey, the Poet Laureate of England at the time. Byron uses the dedication to criticize Southey's poetry and intelligence, reflecting their public feud. The poem explores themes of love, sexuality, and societal hypocrisy. Don Juan's encounters with various women challenge traditional gender roles, portraying women as sexual aggressors and Don Juan as a passive lover.

John Keats (1795-1821): The Poet of Sensuality and Mortality

Life and Influences

John Keats's life was marked by tragedy, including the deaths of his mother, grandmother, and brother. These experiences, along with financial difficulties and unrequited love, influenced his poetry, which often explores themes of melancholy, death, and the fleeting nature of life. Keats's poetry is characterized by its vivid imagery and sensuality, appealing to the reader's senses and emotions.

"Bright Star": An Ode to Enduring Love

Overview and Dedication

"Bright Star" is one of Keats's most famous sonnets, believed to be dedicated to his love, Fanny Brawne. The poem expresses a longing for eternal love and a connection that transcends physical limitations.

Setting and Form

The poem is set against the backdrop of the night sky, with the stars symbolizing eternity and the unknown. Romantics often favored nighttime settings for their evocative atmosphere and sense of mystery. "Bright Star" follows the traditional English sonnet form, with 14 lines in iambic pentameter and an ABAB CDCD EFEF GG rhyme scheme. The poem features two volta, or turns, where the tone and focus shift, and caesuras, or pauses, that create a contemplative mood.

Central Metaphor and Imagery

The central metaphor of the poem compares the loved one to a bright star, specifically the North Star, known for its steadfastness and guidance. The speaker desires a love that is constant and unwavering, like the North Star's presence in the sky. The poem also employs religious imagery, comparing the star's gaze upon the earth to a priest performing a baptism, suggesting a cleansing and purifying power of love. The use of natural imagery, such as oceans, mountains, and snow, evokes a sense of the sublime, highlighting the beauty and power of the natural world.

Themes and Conclusion

"Bright Star" explores themes of love, eternity, and the desire for connection. The speaker's longing for an everlasting bond with his beloved is evident in the repeated phrase "for ever." The poem concludes with a hyperbolic statement, expressing the speaker's willingness to either live eternally with his love or die in the pursuit of such a connection.

Conclusion

Lord Byron and John Keats, though distinct in their styles and approaches, both represent key figures of the Romantic movement. Their works explore universal themes of love, loss, and the human condition, leaving a lasting impact on English literature.