Power of Nature

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The Power of Nature Percy Shelley like many other romantic poets of his time had a deep admiration of nature. In these three poems “Mont Blanc”, “To a Sky-Lark” and “Ode to the West Wind”, Shelley not only sees nature as impressively beautiful, but he also depicts it as a powerful force, one not to be reckoned with. In “Mont Blanc” Shelly accentuates the connection between human, nature and the power it possesses. The mountain in “Mont Blanc” is what holds this awesome power. Upon viewing the mountain Shelley’s mind became bombarded with emotions as he attempts to describe this spectacular site and glorious beauty. “The everlasting flow through the mind … Now lending splendor, where from secret springs; The Source of human thought it tribute brings” (lines 1-5). In stanza 4 continues to point out the feeling of the sublime he come across when considering the strength and peacefulness of the mountain (Lines 98-100). However nature is not pure beauty it can also be destructive. “Frost and the Sun in scorn of mortal power Have piled: dome, pyramid, and pinnacle, A city of death, distinct with many a tower And wall impregnable of beaming ice. Yet not a city, but a flood of ruin Is there, that from the boundaries of the sky Rolls its perpetual stream; vast pines are strewing Its destined path, or in the mangled soil Branchless and shattered stand; the rocks, drawn down From yon remotest waste, have overthrown The limits of the dead and living world, Never to be reclaimed. The dwelling-place Of insects, beasts, and birds, becomes its spoil Their food and their retreat for ever gone, So much of life and joy is lost.” The line (27-29) “Mont Blanc yet gleams on High:-the power is there, the still and solemn power of many sights; and sound of much of life and death”. Even though nature holds a power that not only brings joy to the human it can also
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