TOPIC Manfred Lord Byron (1788–1824) Dramatis Personæ analysis of five specific gothic feature of the work followed by example and quotes from the work to back them up. ACADEMIC LEVEL Undergrad. (yrs 3-4) DISCIPLINE Classic English Literature DOCUMENT TYPE Analysis Paper SPACING SINGLE CITATION STYLE MLA

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Analysis of Manfred: A dramatic poem by Lord Byron
Manfred is a dramatic poem by Lord Byron written in the gothic epoch, predominately
characterized by supernatural elements. In the poem, the protagonist is haunted by a sense of
guilt stemming from offenses that, even though not mentioned directly in the play, proves to be
tormenting him. Manfred Gothic fiction's integral aspects dominate this poem, including spirits,
curses, mystery, fear, suspense, and romance.
The mystery is an integral part of this poem hence presenting gothic fiction. Ideally, the
mystery is a significant feature of Manfred, employed by the playwright to depict Manfred as a
troubled man with a strange sense of guilt that motivates his action throughout the play. In Act
one, scene one, Manfred asserts, "My slumbers—if I slumber—are not sleep, But a continuance
of enduring thought, Which then I can resist not”( Byron 5). As such, the protagonist expresses
his traumatizing experiences that present the poem as a gothic genre. The mystery of the eternal
thoughts disturbs Manfred, and he asserts that he cannot resist. Thus, as a pertinent part of the
gothic feature, Byron has employed mystery.
Similarly, the playwright Byron employs spirits, which is a dominant feature of gothic
fiction. At the playwright's exposition part, the playwright introduces the spirits that cause
internal conflict to the protagonist. Manfred summons the spirits in a mysterious language as if
addressing them (Gordon). He asserts, “Mysterious Agency! Ye spirits of the unbounded

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Universe, Whom I have sought in darkness and light!" (30). The protagonist directly addresses
the spirits makes the poem have a dramatic turn of events that is a characteristic of gothic fiction.
Also, the romantic hero in gothic fiction has a personality that is deeply controlled by
emotions. Manfred is not only expressing his deep state of internal emotions but also the choices
and decisions he makes are as a result of feelings. His dialogue with Herman in Act three, scene
two is indicative of emotional expression (Gordon). He asserts, “As my first glance of love and
wonder was for thee, then take, my latest look: thou wilt not beam on one To whom the gifts of
life and warmth have been fatal” (30). Herein, Byron uses the aspects of the gothic romantic
protagonist who is much controlled by emotions.
There is an element of fear that is dominantly used in the poem as gothic fiction. Fear is
introduced in the verse when Manfred is troubled by guilt and calls upon the spirits. The idea of
speaking to mysterious spirits brings about an atmosphere of fear in the play. He says, "in my
heart, There is a vigil, and these eyes but close To look within"( 5). For this reason, the aspect of
the integral use of fear throughout the poem makes it fit the gothic fiction genre.
Suspense is also a compelling feature of Manfred develops the conflict in the poem. In
pursuit of redemption, Manfred presents a series of suspense in committing suicide even though
he is advised not to by authoritative powers not to kill himself. He defies the counsel from
Abbot. Abbot is not sure whether Manfred chose to submit to heavens or hell, thus creating
suspense. Abbot says, "He's gone, his soul hath taken its earthless flight; whither? I dread to
think, but he is gone."(175).

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Conclusively, the poem has typical features of gothic fiction that are manifested through
the protagonist Manfred. The use of suspense is effectively employed and keeps the conflict
running in the poem. Additionally, there is an atmosphere of fear that presents the poem as gothic
and scary imagery. Also, the use of a romantic hero surrounded by mystery is typical of gothic
fiction. The poem Manfred by Byron is informed by the gothic epoch in which the poets and
playwrights predominantly used Gothic features in their writings.

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Works cited
Gordon, George. "Lord Byron." Byron’s Poetry and Prose. 1970.
Lord, Byron. “ Manfred” A dramatic poem. First edition, John Murray, London.1817
"The Byronic Hero." Lecture Notes: Overview QMbyronic-hero%202.pdf. 2020.