711 ode to a skylark

M.A English (Literature and Linguistic)

1. ODE TO A SKYLARK
The Ode to a Skylark is one of the most famous poems in the English Language.
Shelley in this ode idealizes the singing of the Skylark. In the singing of the Skylark,
Shelley finds the ecstasy and rapture which are unattainable by human beings. The
poet contrasts the sorrow of human life with the joy of the Skylark. The Skylark
among other things, serves as a symbol of poetic spirit, which sings unbidden and
with an unpremeditated art. It is remarkable for its exquisite music, its wonderful
similes, its sensuous beauty, its spontaneity and melody. The poem shows the superb
lyrical genius of Shelley at its best.
Although a lovely poem, it had its detractors who have regarded it “as the typically
slight work of a typically slight poet “skylark, says Shelley, is not a bird but a spirit
which pours forth melodies of spontaneous music from somewhere in the sky. The
Skylark flies higher and higher, singing all the time. In the golden light of sunrise, the
Skylark flies and floats unseen in the aerial regions. The singing of the Skylark is
unsurpassed. Even the happy songs of the marriage and the joyous songs of victory
are inferior to the singing of the Skylark. It is not known what the sources of Skylarks
inspiration are. There is not the least touch of languor or annoyance in the Skylark’s
joys. The Skylark is ignorant of human sufferings as also the sad satiety of love. The
Skylark seems to have a truer and deeper knowledge of the mystery of death than
human beings. That’s why music flows from the Skylark in such a crystal stream.
There is something unique about the Skylark’s ecstasy and this ecstasy is at the root
of the skylark’s exquisite song.
This poem is marvel of music and melody. The sweetness of the poem combined
with its others qualities makes it a lyrical masterpiece. The music of the poem is
irresistible. There is an intensity of feeling throughout the poem It is a passionate
utterance. The poet’s heart is overflowing with the flood of emotions. The note of
longing and yearnings characteristic of many of Shelley’s poems is to be found in this
poem also. Human beings yearn for the impossible. There is touch of sorrow in the
merriest laughter. Their sweetest songs are songs of sweetness. But even if human
life were not so ugly or sorrowful, human beings would never experience that
intense joy which belongs to the Skylark. If the poet were to experience even half
this joy, he would feel inspired to compose poems as sweet and irresistible as the
songs of the Skylark.