57
society of the future can be brought about by peaceful means. The strong point of “Queen Mab”
is materialistic philosophy which underlies the poem. The idea of God is rejected by the author.
Shelley contrasts knowledge and science to religion.
In 1814-1816 Shelley traveled abroad. During his visit to Switzerland he met Byron and a warm
friendship sprang up between them. During 1812-1818 Shelley
produced a number of works
which testify to a development of his progressive views. One of the most significant of Shelley’s
early work is “The Revolt of Islam” (1818). Though being romantic and abstract the poem,
however, is revolutionary in its essence, for the French revolution of the 18
th
century is implied
in its plot. The poem is permeated with the idea of future liberation
of mankind and directed
against all systems of oppression and exploitation.
However, in their struggle for freedom the heroes of the poem pin their hopes only on the power
of conviction. That testifies to the fact that in the first period of his work Shelley had not yet
come to realize the necessity of armed struggle for a better future.
The tragedy is full of dramatic action and the characters are drawn with great realistic force.
“The Cenci” marks a definite progress in Shelley’s revolutionary outlook. Here the poet for the
first time recognizes the necessity of violence as a means of struggle against despotism and evil.
Though
far from England, Shelley never ceased to be interested in the affairs of his native
country. In August 1819 news reached him that the English government
had sent a detachment
of soldiers against a demonstration of Manchester workers. This stirred Shelley to devote his
poetic genius to political writing. Shelley became a singer of the proletariat at the period of its
first mass actions against capitalist exploitation. In the same year
Shelley wrote a great lyric
“Song of the Men of England”. During the Chartist demonstrations the workers marched singing
Shelley’s songs.
In 1820 Shelley wrote his masterpiece “Prometheus Unbound”, a lyrical drama.
Shelley is also known as the author of many lyrical poems devoted to nature and love. Shelley
worships nature believing it to be the source of an undying strength, ever capable of re-creation.
His philosophical optimism proceeds from his conviction that the world and nature are ever on
change ever developing to higher forms. He sings of a love that enables man’s soul and demands
all his
spiritual strength, his whole life.
Unexpected death cut short Shelley’s life. On July 8, 1822, while he was sailing across the bay
of Spezzia, a sudden tempest struck his boat and he was drowned. His body was cremated and
buried in Rome. The inscription
on his tomb-stone reads
Percy Bysche Shelley,
Cor Cordium
(The Heart of Hearts)
Shelley as well as Byron has always been loved and esteemed by the English common people,
whose aspirations for freedom and happiness inspired their poetic talent.
Do'stlaringiz bilan baham: