Byron’s The Siege of Corinth : Unraveling Characterization of Alp, Glorification, and Boundary of Human Enterprises

The main purpose of this article is to examine how Byron’s The Siege of Corinth embodies characterization of the Venetian renegade Alp, his entwined notions of glorification of himself and the Venetian colony Corinth, and the unanticipated trajectory of man’s endeavors. With reference to historical accounts of the Turkish capture of Corinth in 1715 after continual battles between the two sides, the writer’s imagination elaborates on words and actions of Alp, particularly his internal tribulation necessitated by contemplations into the justification of his defiant causes and rebellious deeds. The protagonist unfolds the encountering of his own moral dilemma confronted by clashing conceptions of fame and honor about himself, and the glory of his inborn country Corinth ruled by Venice. Byron’s creative poetic devices also incorporate new imaginary figures such as Francesca and her father, king Minotti of Corinth, whereby he puts forward the infidel’s inner agony and endorses the ironic boundary of one’s volition and a quest for its consequential undertakings.