Mutability An Analysis Of Percy Shelleys Poem English Language Essay

Mutability An Analysis Of Percy Shelleys Poem English Language EssayIn the verse form Mutability, Percy Shelley presents a al-Qaida of the perpetual change that humankinds struggle with in their lives. He portrays this in various paths, with comparisons of humans to clouds and to lyres being present. Shelley discovers the contrasting emotions of humans with the inevitability of change on the whole consuming them. He shows that un deal change, the human life is insignificant and will easily be forgotten. Despite humankinds best attempt to conceal this change, it is a sincere factor in life with the only option being to embrace it. Shelley believes that people undertake life with a certain quickness, which will conclude in being overshadowed anyway. He goes on to state that regardless of the accomplishments that are attained during cardinals lifetime, they will be forgotten easily. Despite our reactions to lifes course, we ultimately have no hear over the concept of change. Sh elley uses skilful imagery in the first two stanzas of the work, which bring the reader closer to the poem, igniting a spark of interest and later, allowing for the complete soul of the concept of mutability. Percy Shelleys poem sheds light on the fragility of the human condition.Percy Shelley opens his poem comparing humans to clouds that veil the midnight moon (Line 1). This portrays to the reader the way in which Shelley sees the We, (Line 1) human beings. He considers the moon as an object of mutability and suggests that like the clouds, humans try to hide or conceal change. This becomes apparent as Shelley states, - yet shortly/ Night closes round, and they are lost for ever (Lines 3-4). This line shows the perpetuation of change despite our attempts to conceal it using the image of night enveloping us to butt on human mortality. Shelleys imagery of the nights clouds is his representing for the reader the perhaps extravagant, but certainly short lives of humans on Earth. She lley describes the clouds actions as a metaphor for human actions, How restlessly they speed, and gleam, and quiver, / streaking the sinfulness radiantly (Lines 2-3). He believes that humans go through life with speed, not taking time to rest like clouds at night, we do not hold forever. Although human beings attempt to be ostentatious, Shelley deems that we are all insignificant because we are easily forgotten. The first stanza portrays the fact that humans are mortal, and regardless of how radiantly we whitethorn shine, we are like clouds at night that are overshadowed.The second stanza is rich in imagery, which Shelley uses to narrate his points. He depicts humans again, this time as forgotten lyres stringed melodic instruments of the harp family, whose dissonant strings/ Give various response to each varying blast,/ To whose frail frame no second motion brings/ One supposition or modulation like the last(Lines 5-9). Shelley describes the simple beauty that humans can be as w ell as create, but presents the frailty of our existence and how chop-chop humans along with the beauty created can be forgotten as well. These lines present another metaphor that furthers the concept of human mortality. Shelley compares humans to forgotten lyres in that our ability to create and produce is short lived all that is amounted during our lifetime will be forgotten once we cease to exist. Each motion brings the lyre a different sound, which induces a different mood. Shelley may be referring to the human body and how frail it is, regardless of how strong it may feel. He compares humans to instruments that have been cast aside, whose melodies mellifluous in their own time are now forgotten. Once humankinds frail time is over, it will never come again. These images suggest that Shelley sees nothing sizeable in life.Shelley begins the third stanza incorporating rhythm. The use of short, two word sentences followed by a longer one, which describes the outcome of the preced ing sentence, is present. Whether humans rest, rise, feel, or embrace (Lines 9-12) the inevitability of change surrounds us and it becomes clear that we have no control of the course of change in our lives. A dream can poison (Line 9) our sleep or a terrestrial thought can pollute (Line 10) the day. Shelley explores human emotions to an extremely in- astuteness level resulting with these pessimistic conclusions. His repetition of the word or in this stanza demonstrates the existence of varied emotion that we accept throughout life. Shelley states, We feel, conceive or reason, laugh or weep / Embrace amicable woe, or cast our cares away (Lines 11-12). These lines reveal Shelleys belief that regardless of the good people do, the action will not be reciprocated.The fourth stanza opens up with an ironic tone when Shelley exclaims, It is the same For, be it joy or sorrow, / The path of its sledding still is free (Lines 13-14). The irony lies in the fact that Shelley considers mutab ility inevitable, and as the only thing able to withstand the effects of time- yet change, he proclaims, is the same Shelleys description of the free path further advances the ideal that humans are immobilized against the forces that produce transformations and are the source of happiness or grief for us. Shelley sums up his notion of change and the reality of the passage of time in the last two lines of the fourth stanza Mans yesterday may neer be like his morrow / Nought may fatigue but Mutability (Lines 15-16). While humans experience limited lives, many inconsistencies exist that have differing effects on how we encounter life in the future. nimbleness and distress are evanescent life changes every day with humans incapable of interfering. This stanza concludes with Shelley claiming that all these emotions ultimately amount to nothing regardless of how awful one day was, the next day is ceaselessly on its way. This tone shift comes perhaps from the realization that mankind c an do nothing to stop the venomous cycle created, so the only option left is to embrace it and see each day as fresh.Shelley skilfully uses the tone of this poem to relate the core in which he is trying to relay. Overall, Mutability has a solemn, reflecting tone. The evidence of this tone comes most clearly in the last stanza, Mans yesterday may neer be like his morrow /Nought may endure but Mutability (Lines 15-16). The use of the word may here is almost ironic, for Shelley must realize in that respect is no way to prove the truth in his statement. He irrationally holds on to some hope that there may be another way, yet he realizes that there truly is not. The irony of this poem is also revealed as Shelley is coming to his conclusions It is the same- (Line 13) and Nought may endure but Mutability (Line 16). Shelley reveals for the reader the great irony in the truth that he has revealed. Nothing may endure but change. The whole thought itself is an irony. It is the same througho ut history, we know no certainty but change. The depth and irony of this thought is brought to light very skilfully in this poem. The use of Shelleys tone, imagery, and diction do produce the desired effect for the reader. One cannot leave this poem without wondering about the thoughts presented.Throughout his poem Mutability, Percy Shelley presents various aspects to the concept of change in human life. Using diverse metaphors for humanity, Shelley successfully leaves the reader questioning the meaning of the human state. Whether we succumb to the pressures of the night and disappear like a cloud, or are simply a forgotten lyre to a musician, this mutability will always consistently transpire. The reality of time as well as the mortality of humans are factors that show individuals are simply too weak to besiege with mutability. The only true consistency in the world is this change, which completely incapacitates humans and makes one question their quest in life. Shelley knows it i s unlikely for humans to Embrace fond woe, or cast our cares away, (Line 12) as no one would favour misfortunes or disregard their personal needs. This poem searches for an answer to humanitys struggle to combat with change and time, disclosure that the only option left is to accept these inevitabilities into our lives and embrace them all we can.