This text was interesting in that from this class and classes I’ve taken before it, I know the influence of this poem is really powerful. However, I found myself not as moved by this text as I have been by other pieces by Byron and other poets we have read this semester. Manfred is as compelling of a character, as he isn’t. He comes across as widely self-centered/motivated and uses his power for the sole good of himself. Even though, this good really isn’t all that good for himself as he is depressed and falls into the trap of his own rationale. The end of the first act shows this in full force as his monologue digresses around what makes a man a man, what aging means, and what death will look like for him.
At the end of this, what I find more compelling is the creation that this piece was able to spark in others.
