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Culture
It's Lit!

The Byronic Hero: Isn’t it Byronic?

It’s Lit! is a series of smart, funny video essays about our favorite books and why we love to read. Hosted by Lindsay Ellis and Princess Weekes, the series delves into topics like the evolution of YA, how science fiction mirrors our own anxieties, and why the book is sometimes just a _bit_ better than the movie.

The Byronic Hero: Isn’t it Byronic?

Season 2 Episode 5 | 14m 48s | CC

Edward Cullen. Han Solo. Killmonger. Lestat. What do all these characters have in common besides being heartthrobs? They share a common ancestor: the Byronic Hero. Brooding, sensual, violent, intelligent, and single-minded, the Byronic hero has been a staple in literature dating back to the 19th century, but the archetype is all over film, TV and even video games.

It's Lit!

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Made possible in part by the National Endowment for the Humanities.

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