Question

How can you tell that Shelley reveres nature and the wind in "Ode to the West Wind"? Are there other interpretations for his poem?

Answer 1

In the poem "Ode to the West Wind," Shelley expresses admiration for nature, and in particular for wind. He tells us that he sees wind as both a destroyer and a creator, and that seeing how the wind signals the coming of winter, he believes spring cannot be far behind.

However, this poem can also be seen as a reference to his poetic abilities. The autumn and winter are a period of less inspiration and admiration for poems. However, Shelley hopes that the wind is inspiration, and that this wind brings a new spring, or a new birth for poetical beauty.

Answer 2

It is clear from the very beginning of this ode that Shelley loves nature and the wind but interprets it to express his woes. This poem should not merely be interpreted as a admiration of nature. His sadness could pertain to the depressing events in Shelley's life. Because in the 1820s the English were apparently struggling and he was in Italy. His son also died.