浅析《西风颂》中的象征主义

An Analysis of Symbolism in Ode to the West Wind

Abstract

As a kind of special writing technique, symbolism has been widely used in all kinds of literary opuses. Symbolism is a special writing technique which can convey the author’s inner emotions by using symbols, so it needs the readers to think deeply in order to understand the purpose of the author’s suggestion.

Ode to the West Wind is an opus magnum of Shelley, an outstanding British poet. The application of symbolism in this work gives the poem a more profound meaning. Based on the analysis of symbolism in Ode to the West Wind, the paper aims to explore the deep meaning of these symbols. It analyzes stanzas and images of the poem, especially focusing on the symbolic image: the west wind, which not only highlights the theme of the poem, but reflects the poet’s attitude. It is very important for readers to understand this poem by interpreting Ode to the West Wind from the perspective of symbolism. 

The paper is divided into four parts. The first part mainly expounds the theoretical foundation of symbolism. The second part introduces the social background of Shelley and the creation background and main content of Ode to the West Wind. The third part is the analysis of symbolism in Ode to the West Wind. And the last part discusses the symbolic meanings and spirit of this poem.

Key words: symbolism; Ode to the West Wind; images; spirit