ODE TO THE WEST WIND – Poem by P.B. Shelley

 

ODE TO THE WEST WIND – Poem by P.B. Shelley

Summary - Important Points

·          ‘Ode to the West Wind’ is a poem written by P.B. Shelley, renowned Romantic Poet of England.

·         Shelley wrote this poem in the woods outside Florence, Italy during Autumn season in 1819.

·         This poem is written in the form of ‘Ode’ – which is used to address inanimate things as if they are human beings.  This poem begins on a note of sadness and pessimism but ends on a note of hope and optimism.

·         In this poem, Shelley appeals to the wild west wind of autumn season.

·         In the beginning of the poem, the poet says that the wind scatters the dead leaves and spreads the seeds. The dead leaves become manure and the seeds will grow at later times in faraway places. 

·         Thus, the west wind is playing a dual role- as a destroyer as well as a preserver.

·         He also describes how the wind is responsible for carrying the clouds and stirring up violent storms.

·         He also says that the West wind is also responsible for waves in the seas and oceans like Mediterranean sea and Atlantic ocean.

·         The poet recalls his relationship with the west wind in his youth.

·         He expresses his desire to be a dead leaf or swift cloud or a wave. Then, the west wind can carry him freely with its strength.

·         Later, the poet appeals to the West wind to turn him into a lyre (a musical instrument). He asks the wind to play upon him and spread his words to the world.

·         He also asks the wind to become like him.

·         In the last stanza, Shelley expresses his positive spirit. He compares the west wind to a trumpet of prophecy.

·         He says: ‘If winter comes, Can spring be far behind?’ This means - the winter (symbol of troubled days) is not permanent. He hopes for better days to come in the symbolic form of spring season.

·         Every year, the seasons come in a cycle. No season is permanent. In the same manner, in human life also bad period and good period come in cycles. So, if bad period is running, we should not worry. We should continue to work hard and hope for better days.

·         The autumn and spring can also be taken as metaphors for death and birth. Life does not end with death. There is a hope of re-birth.

·         Thus, the poem ends on a very positive note.

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