Lord Byron By Cara Johnston

Background George Gordon (Lord Byron) was born in 1788 and died in 1824. He lived in Aberdeen until he was ten before inheriting his great uncles titles and property and moving down to England. Throughout his life there was a lot of speculation over his private life, as he was thought to have affairs with both men and women.

Background His first work ‘Hours of Idleness’ written in 1807 was heavily criticised. In 1809 he published his next piece called ‘English Bairds and Scotch Reviewers’. The success of this satire lead to his tour around Europe, and in 1812 he wrote ‘Childe Harold’s Pilgrimage’ which resulted in him becoming one of England’s leading poets.

Background The success of his works led to him becoming a popular figure in London Society. He then spiralled into heavy debts and was under public scrutiny as rumours of his alleged affair with his half sister surfaced. He fled from England to travel to places such as Italy, where he continued to write.

Background He then decided to travel to Greece to help them battle the Ottoman Empire, however he died of a fever before becoming involved in the conflict in 1824.

SHE walks in beauty, like the night Of cloudless climes and starry skies; And all that 's best of dark and bright Meet in her aspect and her eyes: Thus mellow'd to that tender light 5 Which heaven to gaudy day denies. One shade the more, one ray the less, Had half impair'd the nameless grace Which waves in every raven tress, Or softly lightens o'er her face; 10 Where thoughts serenely sweet express How pure, how dear their dwelling-place. And on that cheek, and o'er that brow, So soft, so calm, yet eloquent, The smiles that win, the tints that glow, 15 But tell of days in goodness spent, A mind at peace with all below, A heart whose love is innocent!

She Walks in Beauty Overriding Idea: Balance and the two sides to his lover. Themes: Light and Dark. Good and Bad. Mind and Heart. Innocence and Maturity. Physical and Emotional.

SHE walks in beauty, like the night Of cloudless climes and starry skies; And all that 's best of dark and bright Meet in her aspect and her eyes: Thus mellow'd to that tender light 5 Which heaven to gaudy day denies. One shade the more, one ray the less, Had half impair'd the nameless grace Which waves in every raven tress, Or softly lightens o'er her face; 10 Where thoughts serenely sweet express How pure, how dear their dwelling-place. And on that cheek, and o'er that brow, So soft, so calm, yet eloquent, The smiles that win, the tints that glow, 15 But tell of days in goodness spent, A mind at peace with all below, A heart whose love is innocent!

Sources http://www.online-literature.com/byron/ http://www.spartacus.schoolnet.co.uk/PRbyron.htm http://englishhistory.net/byron/life.html http://www.bartleby.com/101/600.html http://mural.uv.es/jolocres/byron.htm