Lara - Lord Byron
A Mysterious Nobleman’s Return and the Secrets That Unfold
Excerpt from “Lara”
LARA return’d—he scarce knew how or why
Himself aware, he scarce could tell the cause,
But felt how changed he linger’d on the eye,
That shunn’d alike his sadness or applause;
The very slipper’d beauty scorn’d to die,
As though to match his misery she draws
From all she sees or feels a gloom to gloom
Of deep despairs, where only thoughts find room.
Yet once he spoke—and scornful was the tone
In which he spake of hatred and of guile;
No marvel man, or child, or youth hath known,
In savage or in social life, the vile;
But marvel’d still the moody guises thrown
By him who seem’d creation to defile,
And watch’d him as the lightning hunts its prey,
The wrathful and the reckless in his way.
[...]
(Note: “Lara” is a long narrative poem. This is merely a brief excerpt for illustrative purposes; the full poem is in the public domain.)
Published in 1814 as a kind of sequel to “The Corsair,” Lord Byron’s “Lara” is a narrative poem steeped in mystery, romance, and psychological complexity. It follows the enigmatic Lord Lara, who returns home under somewhat shadowy circumstances. Immediately, his somber bearing and haunted presence evoke suspicion and speculation. Byron’s depiction of Lara focuses on alienation and hidden torments, hinting at a past riddled with unspoken guilt or grief.
The poem interweaves Romantic themes of personal anguish and social discord. As Lara struggles with his own conscience, he inadvertently becomes embroiled in violent conflicts and local power struggles. The locals see Lara as an aloof figure—both an aristocrat and a potential danger whose motives remain unknown. With an atmosphere reminiscent of a gothic tale, Byron intensifies the feeling of foreboding by gradually revealing the psychological burdens Lara bears.
“Lara” shares structural and thematic similarities with other Byron works, particularly “The Corsair,” as both feature Byronic heroes: dark, brooding protagonists compelled by passion or regret, standing at odds with societal norms. Through poetic descriptions of shifting moods, concealed identities, and moral tension, Byron explores notions of fate, honor, and the yearning for redemption.
Ultimately, “Lara” resonates with readers drawn to stories of flawed heroes who operate on the edges of respectability. Byron’s narrative underscores how deeply private anguish can lead to external turmoil. While the poem’s setting involves duels, raids, and local revolt, the heart of “Lara” remains the psychological turmoil of its main character. His silent sufferings and veiled past challenge both the other figures in the poem and the audience to discern whether redemption is within reach—or if tragedy is inevitable. In this way, “Lara” stands as a rich example of Byron’s fascination with the complexity of human nature, the pull of hidden sins, and the persistent lure of the undisclosed past.
Key points
• Explores the Byronic hero archetype—an enigmatic, tormented nobleman.
• Merges Gothic overtones with Romantic sensibilities, emphasizing secrecy and psychological depth.
• Investigates themes of societal alienation, concealed guilt, and personal redemption.
• Illustrates how hidden burdens can breed conflict, misunderstandings, and tragedy.
