Question

The question below refers to the selection “Ode to the West Wind” by Percy Bysshe Shelley.

The phrase “the incantation of this verse” in line 65 shows that Shelley thinks of poetry as akin to —
a. love or hate
b. magic, prophecy, or religion
c. a declaration of war on injustice
d. a defense against boredom and sorrow

Answer 1

Answer: b. magic, prophecy, or religion

Explanation: In this selection of "Ode to the West Wind" by Percy Bysshe Shelley, the phrase "the incantation of this verse" in line 65 shows that Shelley thinks of poetry as akin to magic, prophecy, or religion. The speaker asks the wind to spread his dead thoughts so that through their magical effect they may bring a new birth of human consciousness.