One of the most productive ages of literary creation in European history is the Romantic Period. Many scholars believe it began in 1776, while others believe it was 1783. Never the less, it is a time when early Romantics like Lord Byron revolutionized poetry by making it controversial and creating unforgettable heroes. His values of individuality and rebellious actions against literary and social conventions produced creative and emotional works. Lord Byron sets the mood of the poem in his first stanza of Canto 1 when he uses satire to express his one desire. For example, he writes, “I want a hero: an uncommon want [...] I’ll therefore take our ancient friend Don Juan” (1738). He does not yearn for a traditional hero but one that is imperfect. …show more content…
In fact, Thomas Carlyle urged his followers in his novel “Sartor Resartus” to “close thy Byron; open thy Goethe”(1721). Bryon embraces imperfect properties in his work. He uses his broken marriage, sexual desires, and liberal political beliefs as inspiration without apology. While Byron’s fellow poets are writing about the common topics of the Romantic Era, nature and feelings, he is using poetic satire and irony to write about a mischievous and unusual love …show more content…
Traditionally, referring to a man as a “Don Juan” suggests he seduces many women, but in the poem Don Juan is the victim. Don Juan’s innocence is present when Byron writes, “That Donna Julia knew the reason why, / But as for Juan, he had no more notion / Than he who neversaw the sea of ocean” (1748). This quote shows Julia knows exactly what she is doing while Juan is oblivious to her plans. It is quite unusual during this time period for an older married woman to seek the attention of a single younger man. In fact, according to “Spartacus Educational,” adulterous women in the 1800s were punished by isolation and condemned to a life of loneliness. After all, Julia is seven years older than Juan and takes advantage of his innocence. Ironically, Juan’s mother, Inez, and his soon to be lover, Julia, are friends. This friendship enables Julia to gain the attention of Juan and begin her seduction. The mood is apparent when Byron writes, “But I am not sure I should have smiled / When he was sixteen, Julia twenty-three”(1748). The responsibility of the illicit affair falls upon Julia. In today’s time, Julia could face criminal charges for having a sexual relationship with a