Page 27 - GALIET EMPATHY and Byron´s Hero IV

strength,51 criticizes Napoleon’s extreme, daring behaviour as52 too self-centered, a God unto himself, incapable of governing passions,53 too proud, too cold, too removed,54 and too ambitious.55 For him, the unmeasured life is agitated and stormy while a calm existence becomes sorrowful and supine.56 From Rousseau’s excess and immoderate behaviour, he does not shun, though he vastly criticizes him:57 Rousseau is likened to a tree on fire by lightning. For it is Rousseau’s actions, his idealism that inflames the world, kingdoms burning:
“The French made themselves a fearful monument They wrecked old pinions
Overthrew good with ill
Fools, will have to build upon same foundation.”
(Childe Harold III, 82)
However much, Byron’s subversive heroes are portrayed as estranged and alienated, they are sensitive, gentle and
51 Childe Harold. 83. Heath, William. Major British Poets of the Romantic Period. New York: McMillan Publishing Co., 1973.
52 Childe Harold. III. 37. Heath, William. Major British Poets of the Romantic Period. New York: McMillan Publishing Co., 1973.
53 Childe Harold III. 38. Heath, William. Major British Poets of the Romantic Period. New York: McMillan Publishing Co., 1973.
54 Childe Harold III. 39. Heath, William. Major British Poets of the Romantic Period. New York: McMillan Publishing Co., 1973.
55 Childe Harold III. 41. Heath, William. Major British Poets of the Romantic Period. New York: McMillan Publishing Co., 1973.
56 Childe Harold III.44. Heath, William. Major British Poets of the Romantic Period. New York: McMillan Publishing Co., 1973.
57 Childe Harold III. 76-84. Heath, William. Major British Poets of the Romantic Period. New York: McMillan Publishing Co., 1973.
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