To a Skylark

To a Skylark:   By Percy Bysshe Shelley.

To a Skylark (Summary)

To a Skylark ‘according to Wordsworth, “is the expression of the highest to which the poet's genius attained “.In fact, the poem is the gem of lyrical poetry. The poem consists 21 stanzas made up of 5 lines each.The first four lines are metered in trochaic & fifth in iambic hexameter which is called 'Alexandrine'.The rhyme scheme of the poem ababb. There are total 105 lines in the poem.It was published in his lyrical drama ''Prometheus Unbound.'' 

In his poem, Shelley compares the spirit of skylark with that of human being. The song of skylark is spontaneous and free from pain and sorrow of human life. The poet requests the bird to teach him half of its gladness so that he will be able to sing with such poetic frenzy that the world will listen to him.The skylark symbolizes the poet’s unlimited thirst and aspiration for beauty.It is an image of that rapture which on one  can reach because it soars so far from the earth.It is a winged desire always rising aspiring,singing-‘’like an unbodied joy whose race is just beg us’’.

          ‘’Hail to thee blithe spirit                                                                                                   Bird thou never wert,

          That From Heaven or near it….unpremeditated art’’

The poet listens to the sweet music of the skylark. He feels that he has been transported to a dreamland of unearthly joy. But the bird is not seen. It only pours its charming sound from the heavenly region far above the earth. The skylark stands for absolute joy. That’s why it is called a blithe spirit.

Shelley compares the skylark to a cloud of fire to make us understand the existence of it .The cloud of fire soars always higher and it never stops. Similarly, skylark always soars singing from the earth. Shelley also compares the skylark to’ a star of heaven’ to express the unseen presence of it. In broad daylight a star shines in the sky but due to intense light it remains unseen. Similarly skylark remains invisible but its presence is felt through its charming music. The skylark is compared to a high born maiden who sings to console her heart. Her music overflows her chamber but she is not seen. Similarly the skylark remains invisible but it showers its music.

A poet reflects his lofty thoughts and feelings through his poetry but he remains unknown to us .The skylark sings from the above. It is not seen physically but its song makes us aware of its presence.

Shelley also compares skylark with a rose that emits its fragrance behind the leaves. Fragrance indicates its presence .Similarly the skylark remains hidden in its upward journey. It remains invisible like a glow warm also.

After that the poet is eager to know its source of inspiration. Perhaps it is inspired by unalloyed hope & love .It does not experience vexed feelings or any trouble . It does not know  love’s satiety.

                         ‘’Teach me half the gladness

                            That thy brain must know…’’

Fimally the poet invokes the skylark to teach him half of its gladness so that he can write poetry with the message of revolutionary ideas across the world to create a golden millennium full of equality, freedom,and fraternity.