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Reaction Paper: Ode to the West Wind

Writer's picture: Mads AdaonMads Adaon

Updated: Sep 20, 2020

Written in 2012 by a college student.





The writer in me when I was younger. Received commendations from my professor. Still wondering why and how. I believe this is the original version so please bear with any errors made by me back then.


Small Beginning


When I knew that we are going to discuss Ode to the West Wind, I planned to research for summaries and interpretations. But I was not able to do it. I was surprised to learn that we have a quiz. Actually, the quiz was easy only if I have unlocked some unfamiliar words. I’ve not accomplished to relate one word to another. I have not examined the ode. I jumped on interpreting it right away. That was a wrong move. I’ve learned that there are two levels of understanding. I should have understood it on lower level first before going to higher level.


I find Ode to the West Wind wonderful. I was happy to know that during the time of Percy Bysshe Shelley, romantic poetry does not necessarily mean love. This may be writings about nature. After understanding the ode, Percy Bysshe Shelley has made a great comparison between the persona’s dream and the west wind.


On the first part, the west wind is described as a destroyer and provider. Literally, wind transports leaves to different places. Though the absence of leaves indicates death of the tree, it may give way to a new life. Comparing this to humans, by our words we can break or make lives. Especially to my future profession, I’ll be taking care of many lives. Because of this, I should be very watchful and careful of my words.


On the second part, the west wind was compared to clouds. Clouds that bring strong storms. These strong storms have winds that can lift the hair from the head. I do not know how to compare it to my life. (hahaha!) probably this describes the strength of the wind which signals storms.


On the next part, for me, this is the phase wherein there occurs life. After a long journey, the leaves will find place to bloom into life. Comparing it to teaching, our effect as a teacher cannot be seen right away. Learning and changes may take place after a few years. Change can never be achieved in just a snap of our finger. But we hope, I do hope, that my students will see me as a part of their growth.

The fourth part discussed the journey with the wind. The west wind serves as the persona’s strength. In here, he praises the company he found with the wind. He wondered of his boyhood. That within his wandering with the wind he realized that he will fall upon the thorns of life if he is alone. As future teacher, I hope that I could also possess the west wind’s wildness, audacity and swiftness. I hope that I won’t stumble while playing my role of a leader to them. Hope that I lead them in the right path to development. May they also see me as source of strength and faith.


In conclusion, I see Ode to the West Wind a beautiful recognition to nature. The nature is just around us. This is just one of the good ways to see life in its simpleness. I learned that through wind I could reflect on my future. As I go on with my preparations of becoming a teacher, I hope to consider this ode as one of my inspirations. A salute to Percy Bysshe Shelley.






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