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Marino Faliero, one of Byron’s historical dramas, has drawn controversy over his political tendency. Some critics claim that he was politically conservative in this drama, whereas others argue otherwise. The first group of critics tends to think that this drama was written for stage because they believe Byron used it to preach conservative messages to the audience. My argument, however, is that he wrote it for the closet because it would enable him to express his radical ideas freely without catering to the audience. As a committee member of Theater Drury Lane, Byron was aware of what elements a play should contain to be successful at the theater. He stated that it was written for the closet, and thus it did not contain the elements that were necessary for success on stage. Nevertheless, the critics do not accept his statement as it is. Faliero plays the role of a Byronic hero who rebelled against the existing aristocracy but the critics fail to find Byronic heroes in historical dramas as they did in poetic dramas. Although Faliero’s rebellion failed in this drama, Byron’s political ideas are reflected in his frequent statements supporting for freedom and justice in his society.
