Byronism, Napoleonism, and Nineteenth-Century Realism: Heroes of Their Own Lives?

Byronism, Napoleonism, and Nineteenth-Century Realism explores the cultural images of Byron and Napoleon in the construction of 'bourgeois heroism' through a pan-European perspective, highlighting their influence on the novel's hero-protagonist and literary realism.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 204 pages
Publication date: 31 May 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Byronism, Napoleonism, and Nineteenth-Century Realism is a groundbreaking exploration of the nineteenth-century European novel, delving into the cultural representations of Byron and Napoleon as they shape the concept of 'bourgeois heroism.' With a unique pan-European perspective, this volume seamlessly combines concepts of heroism with theoretically informed inquiries into form, particularly the role of the hero-protagonist and the evolution of literary realism. By examining Byron and Napoleon as parallel figures whose rise and shared fame cast long shadows in the early nineteenth century, this text showcases the indomitable personality that elevated them to hero status. Even in the face of criticism, their unwavering commitment to challenging outdated cultural and social norms remains a testament to their enduring significance. By integrating the study of heroism within the context of the nineteenth-century novel with significant developments in critical theory, Byronism, Napoleonism, and Nineteenth-Century Realism emerges as a vital resource for students and scholars of the bourgeois hero, as well as those with a broader interest in nineteenth-century literature.

Byronism, Napoleonism, and Nineteenth-Century Realism offers a fresh analysis of the nineteenth-century European novel, exploring the cultural images of Byron and Napoleon as they appear in the construction of 'bourgeois heroism.' Utilizing a unique pan-European perspective, this volume draws together concepts of heroism with theoretically informed questions of form, particularly the role of the hero-protagonist and development of literary realism. Observing Byron and Napoleon as parallel entities, whose rise and twin fame cast long shadows in the first decades of the nineteenth century, this text exemplifies the force of personality which made them heroes. Even where they were reviled, their commitment to challenging moribund cultural and social values make them touchstones for all those who attempted to understand the nineteenth centurys modernity. Integrating the study of heroism in the nineteenth-century novel with key developments in critical theory, Byronism, Napoleonism, and Nineteenth-Century Realism is essential reading for students and scholars of the bourgeois hero, as well as those with a wider interest in nineteenth-century literature.

Weight: 400g
Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367749057