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  • Essay / The Theme of Redemption in Lord Byron's Manfred

    Manfred, in the dramatic poem of the same name, written by Lord Byron, is a character with many flaws. As Manfred mourns the loss of his beloved sister, it is revealed that their incestuous relationship was deemed illegal and disgusted by their society. As a result of this as well as the death of his sister, Manfred attempts to commit more social and legal crimes such as suicide, witchcraft, and conjuring spirits. Although Manfred is portrayed as a man lacking in righteousness and morality, he also exhibits qualities that both justify and negate some of his actions. These choices prove that he is not made of pure darkness and that he is not trying to redeem himself. Although he committed acts that alienated him from society, Manfred demonstrates the redemption of his true character through his guilt over his sister's death, his determination to obtain justice for her, and his overall courage expressed through the arc of his redemption. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essayIn his inadvertent contribution to his atonement, Manfred demonstrates guilt and regret. Being part of this forbidden relationship, the protagonist of the story understands that he too played a role in his sister's death. Unfortunately, he understands this only too well and feels guilty throughout the play. Feeling responsible, he repeatedly tries to expel these feelings, to no avail. Manfred finds himself almost desperate and unable to live with the pain he has caused his love and himself. “But sorrow should be the wise man's instructor; Grief is knowledge: they who know most must weep most deeply for the fatal truth” (Act I, Scene I, 10-12) Here, Manfred explains that he becomes more and more troubled as he becomes more and more troubled. lingers on the question. As he thinks and understands more, his guilt and grief only grow. Among these feelings is regret. An emotion that does not appeal to one's negative actions but combats them. Although Manfred has already committed these crimes and social injustices, he demonstrates the good found within him through his disagreement with his previous actions. Unable to undo what has already been done, he is determined to deny these actions and make amends. Because of his guilt, Manfred tirelessly attempts to seek justice for what he believes he caused or to punish himself accordingly. His determination is generated by a moral obligation he himself feels to satisfy his new sense of righteousness and humanity. The first example of this is shown in the first scene of the play. When Manfred summons the seven spirits, he demonstrates how desperate he is to end things. Even after failing, his perseverance is evident in his refusal to back down. His most effective attempt was undoubtedly his suicide. As Manfred is about to jump off a cliff to his death, he validates this as an act of redemption. “For the pastime of the wind – as so – so they should be – In this one plunge – Farewell, opening heavens! Don't look at me with such reproach..." (Act I, Scene I, 112-114) As Manfred is about to end his life, he expresses his idea of ​​ending his suffering and returning justice for his wrongs, an act even some of the best people would refuse to engage in. The most important line here is the last one. He begs the sky not to look at him so reproachfully, which means that Manfred understands that he himself has changed. He uses the word “reproachfully” here to show the good in him, thus veiling the bad. Manfred tells heaven to consider him the man he tries if.