mental net

Both Lord Byron's mind and his seductive power over others appears to revolve around his notion of this "mental net." The Byronic Hero is, as Byron describes, both loved and hated, sought and feared, and joyful and sneering. This "mental net" appears to represent this intense interweaving of characteristics and emotions that both define and embody the Byronic Hero. These emotions and characteristics, moreover, appear to dramatically contrast one another and create a sort of perpetual, internal tension. These complex contradictions weave together to create the mysterious and alluring quality that seems to define the Byronic Hero and Byron himself.

Interestingly, the Byronic Hero possesses an almost liquifies presence, as his character never solidifies through consistent or predictable behavior. Byron declares that the Byronic Hero has "a heart as not by nature hard," yet "there was in him vital scorn of all." Perhaps it is this mysterious, contradicting nature that entices both women and audience. This "mental net" appears to captivate and entrap the Byronic Hero's prey. One is led to wonder if this alluring and complex nature is innate in the Byronic Hero or if it is an artificial ploy that he uses as a vehicle to capture others. Either way, the Byronic Hero remains both brooding and calm, passionate and still, and mad and controlled. This "mental net" appears almost innate, as Byron declares that "troubled manhood follow'd baffled youth."

Interestingly, despite this complex and troubling nature, Byron argues that the Byronic Hero's "madness was not of the head, but heart." This complexity and madness, in a sense, could not penetrate his soul. Seemingly, despite this indefinable and impenetrable madness, the soul of the Byronic Hero remains pure and untouched. This "mental net" appears to almost shield and protect the soul from external harm, while simultaneously, creating an alluring and mysterious quality. Upon discovering this apparent contradiction, one is led to wonder how this complex "mental net" is not a "madness of the head." Perhaps Byron is implying that the reason for the Byronic Hero's unpredictable and almost ill-rational behavior primarily results from the unconscious following of his heart. The appearent "mental net" is not mental after all. It is more of a net of the heart, as it is spun from the Byonic Hero's impulsive and conflicting feelings and desires, in order to protect his fragile soul.

This "mental net" of the Byronic Hero appears to be so ethralling that a movie transpired!