Final answer:
The essay connects a poem's ideas to Shelley's A Defence of Poetry by analyzing its Romantic themes and craft, showing how it reflects Shelley's ideals and responds to political and social contexts.
Step-by-step explanation:
Writing an analytical essay that connects a poem's ideas to Percy Bysshe Shelley's A Defence of Poetry requires an understanding of both the poem in question and Shelley's philosophic stance on poetry. Shelley believed poetry to be an expressive and moral force in society, one that could invoke change and illuminate truth. To articulate this connection effectively, one would analyze how the poem embodies Romantic ideals, such as the spontaneous outpouring of emotion, the revised expression of these emotions, and the reflection of the poet's political and social concerns, as Shelley himself emphasized in his works. One could use "Song to the Men of England" or "England in 1819" as examples, identifying themes of political injustice and societal issues that Shelley addresses, which were influenced by the tumultuous circumstances of his time, such as the Industrial Revolution and the expansion of the British Empire.
The closing statement of the essay could highlight the insights and patterns discovered during the analysis, demonstrating how the structures of the poem reveal deeper meanings about artistry or truth, as suggested in writings by other poets like Wordsworth and critics like Cleanth Brooks. The essay should conclude with emphasized insights into how poetry as a craft is not just about raw emotional outpouring, but involves careful consideration and refinement, ultimately aligning with the philosophic notions presented in A Defence of Poetry.