Byron's Masterpeice- Don Juan

The poem Don Juan is very long so summarizing it would be more understandabl, so I did some research and this is the summary of Don Juan that made the most sense to me so I would think that any other teen would understand it somewhat too. These are not my words because the poem is the size of a book. I think it's over eighty cantos long. So this makes it more simple for the reader.

Byron dedicates the poem to the Poet Laureate, Robert Southey; satirizes Southey and the other Lake Poets for their politics, pretentions and verse; and insults the Foreign Secretary, Castlereagh.

Don Juan is born to Don Jose and Donna Inez; his education. Don Alfonso discovers his wife, Julia, and 16-year old Juan; Don Juan is sent traveling to escape the scandal.

Don Juan sets sail from Cadiz and is shipwrecked. He washes ashore on a Greek pirate island where he meets Haidée, the pirate's daughter.

Lambro, Haidée's father, returns after being rumoured dead to find Don Juan in possession of his home and daughter.

Lambro captures Don Juan and sends him off to slavery in Turkey. Haidée dies.

The Sultan's latest wife, Gulbeyaz, sees Juan on the slave block and anonymously purchases him. Her servant, Baba, conducts Juan to her palace disguised as a girl. Juan spurn's Gulbeyaz' advances which are interrupted by the arrival of the Sultan.

Juan, still disguised, is led back to the seraglio with the rest of the female slaves. His disguise is not discovered, but several of the harem vie for the opportunity to share their beds, and Dudù prevails. Gulbeyaz is informed and summons Juan and Dudù in a rage.

The action jumps to preparation for the Russian attack on the Turkish fortress of Ismail. Juan, disguised as an English mercenary, and his companions are brought to the Russian general, Suwarrow.

Ismail is attacked and taken. Juan saves a young orphaned girl, Leila.

Juan comes to St Petersburgh with news of the victory, and attracts the attentions of Catherine the Great.

Catherine sends Don Juan ambassador to England. Leila accompanies him.

Juan arrives in England.

Leila's education is entrusted to Mrs. Pinchbeck.

Lord Henry and Lady Adeline Amundeville invite Juan to their country seat.

Juan rides to the hounds, and begins to spend time with Lady Adeline.

Lady Adeline tries to arrange a match for Juan, but does not approve when Aurora Raby catches his eye.

Lord Henry holds court, and Juan meets a ghost.




If you feel like you would want to read the rest of the poem then click here, http://www.online-literature.com/byron/don-juan/1/




Baily Copeland