Language and style

Addressing the language and the style of the poem “Ode to the West Wind” by Percy Bysshe Shelley is very important, as it can enhance your understanding of the text. 

Playing with the language

The poem “Ode to the West Wind” plays with language, but not excessively. The purpose of the speaker is clear from the very beginning: he makes a plea to the West Wind, wanting to ask for something. Still, there are quite a few instances when we encounter wordplay.

Wordplay is created through the use of symbols, especially of Greek creatures or elements. For example, the world “lyre” (l. 57) is a symbol of the Aeolian harp, an instrument named after Aeolus, the Greek god of wind. The Aeolian harp is a musical instrument constructed in such a way that it can be played by the wind. Then, the wind is also associated with Maenads, Greek followers of Dionysus, who are always depicted in a state of rage or frenzy, like wild spirits:

“Wild Spirit, which art moving everywhere;
Destroyer and preserver; hear, oh hear!” (ll. 13-14)

Tense of the verbs

The poem “Ode to the West Wind” is written in a combination of tenses. First of all, present tense is employed when the speaker addresses the wind: “hear, oh hear” (l. 14) or when the natural state of things is described: “comes” (l. 70), “lie” (l. 7), “art moving” (l. 13) or “are spread” (l. 18).

Imperatives are employed when the speaker exposes his desires to the wind: “make” (l. 57), “be” (...