Aristotle University of Thessaloniki
Red Bull Theater’s Sardanapalus & Global Watch Party Review
By Dimitrios Psomiadis, Ph.D. Candidate, Department of English Literature and Culture
In Act V, the King thinks about the funeral pyre, which will burn both his body and his throne, as a "light to lesson ages, rebel nations, and voluptuous princes." Why does he say this and what does he mean?
The impending blaze of the funeral pyre as a “light to lesson ages, rebel nations, and voluptuous princes” in Act V of Lord Byron's Sardanapalus, highlights the king’s dramatic end that will serve as a powerful example—or warning—to future generations, rebellious subjects, and indulgent rulers like himself. The pyre symbolizes not only Sardanapalus’s personal defiance against the usurpers of his throne but also what he perceives as his absolute sovereignty and agency in the face of inevitable defeat. Sardanapalus recognizes that his reign, characterized by hedonism and a neglect of traditional kingly duties, has led to the rebellion that now threatens his kingdom. The decision to destroy himself along with his wealth and palace is a deliberate act of preventing his enemies from seizing power and denying them the spoils of victory. Whether the Sardanapalus’s demise serves as a monumental event, one intending to leave a lasting impression on history, or if it simply reflects a spur-of-the-moment decision in the face of utter defeat is a poignant pondering. Perhaps the “light” of the pyre becomes a metaphor for enlightenment; a stark illumination of the consequences that befall those who, like the debaucherous king, prioritize personal pleasure over responsibility, and those who, like the rebels, betray their sovereign. This duality of interpretations highlights the play’s deep ambiguity and the plurality of voices that inhabit Byron’s work.
Another reading of Sardanapalus's choice would be that this funeral pyre reflects the transformation in his character. Throughout the play, he evolves from a passive ruler, a slave to passions and earthly delights, to one who confronts his fate with dignity and resolve. The funeral pyre is both a literal and symbolic purification, burning away his past follies and affirming his ultimate control over his destiny. It serves as a cathartic climax, where he embraces death on his own terms rather than succumbing to the humiliation of capture. His final act is infused with a sense of tragic grandeur, elevating him from a figure of indulgence to one of noble defiance—and perhaps a true testament to the character of the Byronic hero.
