What is the speaker asking the West Wind?

What is the speaker asking the West Wind?

In “Ode to the West Wind (1820),” Percy Bysshe Shelley (1792-1822) paints a vivid picture of the power of nature. The West Wind is a symbol of change, strength, and renewal. The speaker sees it as a force that can bring transformation. He calls out to the Wind, asking for three powerful actions.

To Become One with the Wind: The speaker wants the Wind to be part of him. He asks, 

“Be thou, Spirit fierce, my spirit!” 

He wants the Wind’s energy and strength to fill him. Just like the Wind moves through the forest, the speaker wants it to flow through his soul. He hopes this connection will give him power and purpose.

To Carry His Thoughts Across the World: The speaker asks the Wind to “drive my dead thoughts over the universe.” He compares his thoughts to dead leaves scattered everywhere. He hopes the Wind will spread them far and wide. He believes his ideas can inspire change and bring a new beginning, just like fallen leaves lead to new growth.

To Be a Voice of Prophecy: Finally, the speaker wants the Wind to make him a “trumpet of prophecy.”  He wants his words to be like sparks from a fire, lighting up people’s minds and inspiring them. Through the Wind, he wishes to awaken the world to a brighter future. He sees himself as a messenger of hope.

The speaker’s plea ends with a hopeful question: “If Winter comes, can Spring be far behind?” He believes that even in darkness, renewal and light are possible.