INDRAPRASTHA COLLEGE FOR WOMEN,
UNIVERSITY OF DELHI
TITLE:
Exploring Imagery in Percy Bysshe Shelley's
'Ode to the West Wind'
SUBMITTED TO:
Dr. DEBJANI SENGUPTA
SUBMISSTED BY:
NAME: Jayasmita Saha
DEPARTMENT: B.A. Programme
DISCIPLINE: English
ROLL NUMBER: 22/BAP/082
"Ode to the West Wind" by Percy Bysshe Shelley is a vivid and evocative poem that
uses powerful imagery to convey the force and impact of the west wind. Here, I will
discuss two images associated with the West Wind from the poem, focusing on
stanzas 1 and 2.
Percy Bysshe Shelley creates a strong and vivid impression of the character of the
west wind in the opening verse of "Ode to the West Wind" by addressing it as a "wild
West Wind." Setting the tone for the entire poem, this description of the West Wind
as "wild" implies that it has an uncontrolled, unpredictable, and maybe harmful nature.
Further descriptions of the West Wind refer to it as the "breath of Autumn's being,"
which personifies it as an elemental force essential to the character of the autumnal
season. Shelley gives the wind a sense of life and vigour by referring to it as the
breath of autumn. It transforms into a living thing that is closely linked to the onset of
each new season, particularly the change from the vivacity of summer to the gloom of
autumn.
The reader's imagination is, however, really captured by the idea of the colourful
leaves that are borne by the West Wind and the waves on the sea.

Earthly Imagery of the Leaves
A complex and nuanced symbol, the picture of the leaves in Stanza 1 of "Ode to the
West Wind" captures the themes of change, metamorphosis, and the interdependence
of life and death.
Vibrant Colours: The description of leaves in tones of "yellow, and black, and pale,
and hectic red" quickly evokes an emotional and visual response. These hues stand for
both the many stages of life and decay as well as the shifting shades of fall leaves.
The "yellow" leaves hint at the early phases of development and ageing, while the
"black" leaves allude to demise and decay. The colours "pale" and "hectic red"
evoke sickly passionate energy, respectively, and might be seen as symbols of the
fragility of life. These colours' contrast represents the natural cycle of life, death, and
rebirth.
Movement and Transformation: In this shot, the leaves are not passive; the west
wind is actively moving them. With phrases like "thou dirge," "chariotest," and
"winged seeds," Shelley gives the leaves a feeling of motion and direction. They are
being dragged away rather than just falling to the earth, which suggests that their trip
is restless and transforming. This movement also serves as a metaphor for nature's
never-ending cycle of change.
Ghostly Imagery: Shelley continues by calling these leaves "pestilence-stricken
multitudes," which is a striking and unsettling description. This term brings up the
idea of leaves that appear sick or plagued by some disease. This allusion to plagueravaged masses not only lends an air of the supernatural but also emphasises the
concept that the West Wind is a strong and unrelenting force capable of eradicating
even the most obstinate remains of life.
The Metaphor of Ghosts: The leaves are also linked to "ghosts from an enchanter
fleeing." This similarity gives the image a touch of mystique and magic. It depicts the
leaves as ethereal entities, like ghosts or phantoms, who are escaping the control of an
effective enchanter. This imagery emphasises the sense of transition and
metamorphosis, giving the impression that the leaves are about to leave their physical
existence and embrace a world of magic and mystery.
The Symbolism of Decay and Renewal: Symbolising the cyclical pattern of life and
death in the natural world, this image of the leaves being carried by the West Wind is
deeper than it first appears. The old leaves' removal by the wind makes space for new
growth in the spring. In this way, the West Wind represents the never-ending cycle of
life in nature and serves as a prophet of both annihilation and rebirth.
Shelley invites readers to reflect on the fundamental cycles of nature and the strength
of elemental elements like the West Wind by describing an image of fall decay that is
both aesthetically arresting and emotionally compelling.

Celestral Imagery of the Clouds and Marine Imagery of the Sea
Shelley continues his search into the characteristics of the West Wind in Stanza 2 of
"Ode to the West Wind," switching from the earthly imagery of the first stanza to the
celestral imagery of the clouds and marine imagery of the sea.
Imagery of the Sea and Sky: In this stanza, the metaphor of the West Wind's
"stream" in the sky, which is comparable to a celestial river or current, is introduced
to the reader. "Steep sky's commotion," which implies turbulent and dynamic
movement, is how the sky is characterised. The reader is instantly taken to a huge,
constantly shifting area where the wind's effect may be felt not only on the ground but
also in the skies.
Cloud Imagery: Shelley uses evocative imagery to describe the clouds, comparing
them to "Earth's decaying leaves." The subtlety of this comparison is fascinating. In
this stanza, clouds are compared to a natural process, albeit one that takes place in the
sky, much as they were in the first when leaves were connected to ageing and
transformation. The clouds aren't stationary; they "shed" like leaves, suggesting that
they go through a constant cycle of production and dispersion. The idea of transience
and metamorphosis is furthered by this imagery, which also implies that heavenly
materials are subject to the same cyclical processes as earthly ones.
Metaphor of the Wind as a Lyre: Shelley then puts out the notion that the wind has
the power to turn man into its "lyre." He implores the wind to "Make me thy Lyre."
This metaphor, which suggests that the wind has the ability to mould and influence
the poet's ideas, feelings, and creativity, is incredibly lyrical. The wind takes on the
role of a muse, an inspiration for both music and art. A healthy coexistence between
the natural environment and human artistic expression is suggested by the metaphor
of the poet as a lyre, where the wind's impact serves as a source of creative inspiration.
Dirge of the Dying Year: The last line of the poem reads, "Thou dirge of the dying
year." The West Wind is linked to a dirge in this instance, a sad song or lament
commonly used at funerals and times of death. The concept that the wind's entrance
signals the end of one year and the beginning of winter—a season of decline and
hibernation in the natural world—is further supported by this melancholy picture. But
it's important to understand that a dirge is more than just a sorrow; it's also a polite
way of remembering and acknowledging the past. The West Wind's lament might be
seen in this sense as a celebration of the year that was, an acknowledgement of its
significance and beauty even in its fall.
Catharsis and Renewal: Although the idea of a dirge conjures up a sense of sorrow,
it also has the opportunity for catharsis and rejuvenation. Even if it is melancholy, the
wind's song has the ability to sweep away the outdated, paving the way for fresh
growth and the hope of spring. In this way, the West Wind becomes a sign of change
and transition in both the natural and human worlds.
A great use of metaphor and imagery can be seen in Stanza 2 of "Ode to the West
Wind," with the picture of the waves on the sea. It explores deep themes of change,
creativity, and the cyclical nature of life while painting a striking image of the wind's
impact on both the heavenly and terrestrial realms. Shelley expresses the concept that
even in the midst of change and decay, there remains the opportunity for rebirth and
creative inspiration. She does this by inviting readers to consider the interaction
between natural forces and human creativity.