Manfred: Analysis of Major Characters
"Manfred" is a dramatic poem by Lord Byron that explores deep themes of existential despair, the quest for knowledge, and the conflict between the human spirit and divine authority. The central character, Manfred, is portrayed as a powerful magician who seeks to summon the spirits of the universe for enlightenment but is ultimately consumed by his own limitations and sorrow. Haunted by past transgressions, particularly against Astarte, he grapples with thoughts of suicide, but is momentarily saved by the intervention of a chamois hunter.
Throughout the narrative, Manfred interacts with various spirits, including the Spirit of Air, the Spirit of Fire, and the Spirit of Night, each representing different aspects of his inner turmoil and quest for understanding. Despite his powerful abilities, Manfred's refusal to submit to traditional religious authority—represented by the Abbot of St. Maurice—leads him to a tragic fate, as he ultimately confronts death alone. The Witch of the Alps also appears, offering assistance that Manfred declines, emphasizing his isolation in his struggles. This interplay of characters highlights themes of autonomy, the search for meaning, and the consequences of rejecting societal norms.
Manfred: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Lord George Gordon Byron
First published: 1817
Genre: Play
Locale: The Alps
Plot: Poetic
Time: No time set
Manfred, a magician who summons the spirits of the universe, asking them for knowledge and oblivion. Although he contemplates suicide, mourning his limited powers, he is saved by a chamois hunter. He continues to raise other spirits and refuses the help of the church. Because he does not give his loyalty to the church or the powers of evil, he dies conquered by nothing but death.
TheSpiritofAir, who asks Manfred what he wants to forget, a question the magician cannot answer.
The Spirit of Interior Fire, the Spirit of Ocean, the Spirit of Earth, the Spirit of Exterior Fire, and the Spirit of Night, spirits summoned by Manfred.
TheSpiritofManfred'sDestiny, summoned by Manfred. It takes on the bodily shape of a beautiful woman who eludes the magician's embrace.
The Chamois Hunter, who saves Manfred from death. Seeing Manfred preparing to leap to his death on the Jungfrau Mountain, the hunter prevents the suicide. He feels sorry for Manfred but cannot help the magician solve his problems.
The Witch of the Alps, summoned by Manfred. She offers to share the beauties of nature with the magician and to aid him, if he agrees to obey her. She departs when Manfred refuses.
The Abbot of St. Maurice, who tries to save Manfred's soul for God but fails.
Astarte, whom Manfred has wronged. She is summoned from her tomb at Manfred's request by spirits in the Hall of Arimanes. She prophesies that his despair will end the next day. Death fulfills her prophecy.