As Nature Intended–Byron’s Vital Spirit

ABSTRACT: To what extent was Byron affected by the elements of nature? Did wind, rain, or even substance such as volcanic ash, influence his poetry? Contrary to popular belief, while Byron‟s poems are sympathetic visà-vis nature, it is this paper‟s contention that they were written regardless of the poet‟s thoughts on climate change. In other words, the Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) has no effect on his perception of nature, and there is no reciprocal mood between the weather and his poetry. Even the infamous and much written about weather patterns of 1816 did not alter his love of nature that he considered a source of joy, inspiration and power.
KEYWORDS: animism, eco-criticism, Lord Byron, Childe Harold’s Pilgrimage, Seasonal Affective Disorder, pathetic fallacy, sublime