Leaders of the Romantic Movement: She Walks in Beauty by Lord Byron

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Lord Byron is often regarded as a prominent leader in the Romantic Movement that is associated with early 19th century England. His unconventional lifestyle, along with his literary works, has contributed significantly to this title he has been given. Through his notorious sexual escapades and his extravagant adventures, his literature was born. Lord Byron was born on January 22, 1788, as George Gordon Noel Byron in London, England ("Lord Byron Biography"). As a child, Byron had to deal with an abusive nurse, a schizophrenic mother, and a father who had abandoned him. On top of this, he was born with a clubfoot which made him self-conscious. In 1798, George Byron became Lord Byron when his great-uncle William Byron died, and George claimed the title of 6th Baron Byron as he was next in line ("Lord Byron Biography"). In 1801, Lord Byron began to experience sexual encounters with both males and females when he attended Harrow School in London. These sexual escapades continued into his time at Trinity College from 1805 to 1808. By 1810, Byron joined his good friend John Hobhouse on a sumptuous tour through the Mediterranean Sea ("Lord Byron Biography"). However, in 1811, Byron’s mother died, forcing him to return to London. Only through various love affairs with many women, such as Lady Caroline Lamb, Lady Oxford, and even his half sister Augusta, was Byron able to escape his malaise. In 1815, Byron decided he no longer wanted to deal with the problems of amorous relationships, so he settled down and married Anne Isabella Millbanke. One year later, Anne left Byron due to his drinking problems, increasing debt, and the continuation of his love affairs. In 1816, Byron left England as his reputation was ruined by spreading rumors of... ... middle of paper ... ...s more of a witty and satirical change from Childe Harold’s Pilgrimage. Byron started writing this poem in 1818, adding parts to it up until his death, leaving it unfinished. During this time, Byron continued in his lustful ways with women, possibly seen in the poem in the way that the main character is the opposite of a womanizer, falling victim to women seducing him. Often the main character’s adventures are poetic perceptions of Byron’s sexual escapades. Some of Byron’s greatest poems are all drawn from his life and his experiences. Many of them involve Byron’s numerous dysfunctional love affairs and his attempts to find more in his life other than lust, through his adventures. Without the inspiration Byron gathered from his unusual and flamboyant life, it is possible that Byron would not be such a notable leader in the Romantic Movement, as many see him today.

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