Topic > 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 who possesses many flaws. As Manfred mourns the loss of his beloved sister, it is revealed that their incestuous relationship was considered illegal and disgusted by their society. As a result of this and his sister's death, Manfred attempts to commit more social and legal crimes such as suicide, witchcraft, and spirit summoning. Although Manfred is depicted as a man lacking in righteousness and morality, he also portrays qualities that justify and negate some of his actions. These choices show that he is not made of pure darkness and attempts to redeem himself. Despite committing 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 Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay By inadvertently contributing to his atonement, Manfred demonstrates guilt and remorse. Being part of this forbidden relationship, the protagonist of the story realizes that he too played a role in his sister's death. Unfortunately, he understands this all too well and is overcome with guilt throughout the entire play. Feeling responsible, he repeatedly tries to expel these feelings to no avail. Manfred is almost hopeless and unable to live with the pain he has caused both his love and himself. “But pain should be the instructor of the wise; Pain is knowledge: those who know more must weep more deeply for the fatal truth” (Act I, scene I, 10-12). Here Manfred explains that the more he dwells on the issue he becomes more and more disturbed. As he thinks and understands more, his guilt and pain only amplify. Among these feelings is regret. An emotion that does not appeal to its negative actions but fights them. Although Manfred has already committed these crimes and social injustices, he demonstrates the newfound good in him through his disagreement with his previous actions. Being unable to undo what has already been done, he is determined to negate these actions and redeem himself. Because of his guilt, Manfred tirelessly attempts to seek justice for what he believes he has caused or to punish himself accordingly. His determination is generated by a self-induced moral obligation that he feels fulfills his newly adopted 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 shows how desperate he is for closure. Even after failing to do so, his perseverance is demonstrated in his refusal to back down. Probably his most effective attempt involves suicide. Since Manfred is on the verge of throwing himself off a cliff to his death, even in that moment, he validates it as an act of redemption. “For the wind's amusement - so - so they should be - In this one dive - Farewell, open skies! Do not look upon me with this reproach-” (Act I, Scene I, 112-114) As Manfred is about to end his life, he expresses his idea of ​​both ending his suffering and serving justice for his wrongs, an act even some of the best people would refuse to commit. The most important line here is the last one. He begs heaven not to look at him so reproachfully, which means that Manfred understands that he himself has changed. Here he uses the word “reproachfully” as a way to show the good in him, thus veiling the bad. Manfred tells heaven to regard him as the man he so desperately seeks to.