In Shelley’s work, “An Ode to The West Wind”, he uses wind to represent ever occurring changes in the world. The last line of the poem demonstrates that wind represents renewal just like Spring is a time of renewal after Winter. In a time where cultural revolutions were taking place the idea of a “new wind” bringing renewal was never more prevalent. Romanticism was seeking to curb the changes made due to enlightenment by focusing on nature’s benefit to mankind. That being said, there is no better metaphor than wind which causes the coming and going of seasons while also representing change.
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I like your interpretation of Shelley’s poem. I agree with your idea that the change of the pattern of the wind through the seasons represent renewal. I did not think of romanticism serving as a barrier preventing change, but you’re reasoning makes a lot of sense. Great job with your analysis!