A Defence of Poetry is an essay by Percy Bysshe Shelley written in 1821, which originates from a lecture he gave in March of the same year. In the essay, Shelley argues that poetry is the language of freedom, joy, and beauty and reflects both the society as it exists and humanity as it should be; in short, Shelley believes that poetry is one of the most revolutionary forces in the world. As such, Shelley maintains that poetry is a necessary tool for social and political reform and that it should be used to drive changes in the world.
Shelley begins the essay by making a distinction between the practice of poetry and the form of poetry. He suggests that the form of poetry should be untainted by implications of particular tastes and that poetry as an art form should be able to exist in its own right. He advances that the practice of poetry, however, may be influenced by the particular experiences of individuals; this, Shelley says, is essential to create poetry which is “inhabited by feeling”.
Drawing upon the work of Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe, Shelley goes on to argue that works of literature, and poetry in particular, can provide glimpses of hope and optimism to readers living in oppressive societies. He uses the example of Goethe’s novel Faust to argue that literature records the chaos and dilemmas which characterise life, but that it should also provide a sense of optimism, subtly helping people to realise the beauty in the world and their own potential.
Indeed, Shelley argues that through literature and poetry, humanity may be driven towards progress. Poetry, he says, is a “sufficient” means of stimulating progress, and he maintains that by encouraging the expression of feelings among the masses, poetry can be used to promote social and political reform in society. He argues that to do this, poetry needs to be written for the masses, free from the influence of those in the upper classes who might try to incorporate their own views or those of their peers.
The Power of Poetry
Shelley devotes much of the essay to discussing the power of poetry to drive social and political change and acts as an example of the power of literature. He argues that poets are not just storytellers, relaying stories for entertainment, but rather “inspired” individuals who are driven to influence change. He does not express a specific opinion about whether or not this particular poetic power can be harnessed, but rather suggests that ultimately poets should be driven by the goal of reforming society.
Shelley also claims that poetry can be used to liberate those who may feel suppressed and downtrodden by various aspects of society. To do this, he argues that poetry must use images, metaphors and suggestions of hope to provide readers with an alternative to the “yoke of custom”. Furthermore, Shelley suggests that poetry should not be solely focused on inspiring its readers emotionally; rather, it should encourage them to think and consider various different beliefs and points of view, thereby inspiring them to make conscious decisions about their lives.
The Question of Censorship
In the essay, Shelley also questions the concept of censorship and suggests that the idea of censorship originates from those in power who wish to restrict the spread of independent thought and reform. To illustrate this, he expresses his view that the government has misused censorship to suppress poets and artists in order to retain their control over the masses. He also expresses his belief that literature and poetry can hold a mirror up to society, highlighting the faults and potential for change through its writing and use of language.
To add to his argument, Shelley goes so far as to suggest that there is little distinction between poetry and politics, and that the two compliment and inform each other. He argues that when poems are written with political motives and driven by the need for reform, they are not subject to the same criticism as poetry written only for the purpose of entertainment. He also views poetry as an effective mechanism for conveying political messages and inspiring change through the use of symbols, figures of speech and metaphors.
The Relationship between Poetry and Nature
Shelley further argues that poetry and nature are intrinsically linked in the sense that nature can inform poetry and make use of its imagery. To make this point, he uses the example of William Wordsworth and his use of poetic symbolism to convey the beauty of nature. He explains that by using nature as a source of poetic inspiration, poets can reflect on the natural world and its beauty, thus creating poetry in which the reader can feel more connected to the environment and its many wonders.
Going on to expand on this point, Shelley argues that poetry should be seen as a powerful tool to connect people with the environment, pointing out that it can influence public opinion and create a sense of empathy for nature. He goes so far as to suggest that through poetry, people might become more conscious of their impact on the natural environment, and that if poets can capture and convey the majesty of nature in their writing, readers might connect with it on a much deeper level.
The Role of Poetry in Education
In the essay, Shelley also discusses the power of poetry to both educate and humanise people, suggesting that it may have a fundamental role to play in education. He holds that poetry communicates ideas and feelings much more effectively than traditional modes of instruction, as it is accessible to a wider variety of people and allows individuals to better understand and appreciate the world around them.
Indeed, Shelley claims that poetry can act as a form of therapy and can support those suffering from depression, anxiety and other mental illnesses by providing them with an outlet to express their innermost emotions. He suggests that the use of lyrical language and metaphors in poetry can be an effective way of conveying emotions, and that poets can invite their readers on a journey of self-discovery and growth.
The Place of Poetry in Society
Shelley also comments on the place of poetry in society, and suggests that it has the power to both influence and provoke public opinion about a variety of issues. He underscores the fact that society has an unspoken agreement to accept the ideas which poets present to them, and that if poets use this power responsibly, it can lead to positive change. Furthermore, he argues that poetry can challenge perceptions of various social and political issues and encourage an open-minded dialogue between different perspectives.
At the same time, Shelley notes that poetry has the potential to manipulate public opinion and to perpetuate the ideas and beliefs of those in power. He explains that by writing or promoting certain types of poetry, poets can influence the behaviour of the masses and that certain subject matters or aspects of literature can be used to uphold certain ideologies. To add to this point, he suggests that poets should carefully consider the ethical implications of their work and strive to think about the potential consequences of their writing.
The Influence of Poetry on Human Relationships
In the essay, Shelley presents poetry as a powerful tool to express feelings of love, joy and sorrow. He explains that through the use of imagery and metaphors, people can use poetry to better understand human emotions and can even use it to create a bridge of understanding and empathy between different cultures, religions and nations. To make this point, he suggests that poetry can be used to bring people together and can help to create positive relationships which cross interpersonal, national and cultural boundaries.
Furthermore, Shelley remarks that poetry can be a way to connect with the past, in that works of literature written centuries ago may still stir up emotions and evoke feelings that readers can relate to in their own lives. He suggests that this form of emotive connection may be the key to understanding our shared experiences, past and present, and that we should strive to make use of poetry to both commemorate the lives of those who have gone before us, and to look forward to a brighter future.
