Percy Byssh Shelley Research Paper

TITLE Percy Bysshe Shelley was born on August 4, 1792 to the extremely conventional Sir Timothy, who, being a man of influence, no doubt wanted his first born son to follow in his footsteps (Richards 671). Shelley, however, had much less conformist views, and was even "ragged" at Eton for expressing such (Matthews 196). He did not care to learn what his "tyrants" taught, but was interested rather, in science (which was outlawed from Eton at the time), Godwin, and the French skeptics. The rebellious nature persisted as he grew older and he developed a "delight" for controversy (Matthews 195). This "delight" ultimately lead to his expulsion from Oxford because of his writing "The Necessity of Atheism." His patience for authority continued
His ultimate goal was to lead men to a "life of freedom, love, and apprehension of the beautiful" (Richards 672). Shelley felt that repression exist because mankind instituted and tolerated it (Matthews 200). He believed that "Mankind only had to will that there should be no evil, and there would be none" (Ford 161). This idealistic view of the world is evident in the majority of Shelley's literary works. In 1819, Shelley wrote "Song to the Men of England" (Editors 610). This poem was written for the same purpose as many of his others: to urge the working class of Great Britain to rebel. The imagery of a bee hive is evident throughout this piece. In stanza II, for instance, the "tyrants" are referred to as "Those ungrateful drones who would / Drain [the] sweat - nay, drink [the] blood." In stanza III, a reference is made to the working class as the "Base of England." The metaphor is picked up again in stanza VII, when Shelley orders the "Men of England" to "shrink to [their]...cells" (Editors 611). The most rebellion-inspiring lines are found in stanza
Shelley never even expected this piece to sale, but he felt that it truly conveyed his message of the necessity of man defying his ruling power (Richards 674). In consideration of his poetry, Shelley said "Prometheus Unbound" was "a poem of higher character than anything [he had] attempted and perhaps less an imitation of anything that has gone before it" (Ford 161). In conclusion, the concept of human idealism and revolt is clearly evident in Percy Bysshe Shelley's work. He was interested in the issue of humanities place in the universe as well as humanities quest for happiness (Matthews 195). He loved to use the image of man verses the Evil Principle (Ford 162). For this Shelley became known as "the poet of fiery imagings" (Matthews 195). The earnestness with which he expressed a need for a revolt against authority provided Shelley with the reputation of being the "most politically radical of the romantics" ( 704). Dying before he reached the age of thirty, he was never able to see his idealistic prophecy for humanity be fulfilled. Regardless, Percy Bysshe Shelley's literary work has had a phenomenal affect on society. His concepts and ideas concerning government are still in circulation today, perhaps proving Mrs. Shelley's statement that "very few knew his worth while he lived"