In Ode to the West Wind, the speaker seems like they are stuck in a negative state of mind. She is writing an ode to the wind because she is looking for its help. She describes the wind as a powerful spirt; a “destroyer and preserver.” The wind represents change, as it routinely “destroys” old things or ideas and preserves new ones at the same time. She wants the wind to “lift [her] as a wave, a leaf, a cloud” and “drive [her] dead thoughts over the universe.” It seems that the poet is asking the wind to rid her of her negative thoughts and bring about positive ones.
One thought on “Why do you think Shelley chose to write to the wind? Does the wind represent some larger concept?”
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Although I did not initially consider the author’s thoughts when reading the poem, I agree that he is using wind in reference to his own thoughts. I also believe that wind is used to signify change, especially given the time when the poem was written. Additionally, wind and the seasons tend to signify renewal as shown in your response and the poem.