Percy Bysshe Shelley

Biography

Percy Bysshe Shelley (1792–1822) was a revolutionary Romantic poet, whose works are celebrated for their lyrical beauty, passion, and deep philosophical ideas. Known for his radical beliefs, including his opposition to organized religion, monarchy, and conventional morality, Shelley was a key figure in the Romantic movement alongside his contemporaries like Lord Byron and John Keats. Though his life was cut short at just 29, his poetry and ideals influenced generations of writers, artists, and thinkers, and his works are regarded as some of the finest in English literature.

 Early Life and Background

Percy Bysshe Shelley was born on August 4, 1792, in Field Place, Horsham, England, into a wealthy and aristocratic family. His father, Sir Timothy Shelley, was a member of Parliament and a baronet, and his mother, Elizabeth Pilfold, came from a well-respected family. Despite his privileged upbringing, Shelley was known for his rebellious spirit and disdain for authority from a young age.

As a child, he was highly imaginative, sensitive, and passionate, traits that set him apart from his siblings and classmates. He was known to be deeply affected by the suffering of others and developed an early aversion to injustice and cruelty. These traits foreshadowed his later advocacy for social reform and the abolition of oppressive institutions.

Education and Beginnings of Rebellion

At the age of ten, Shelley was sent to Syon House Academy and later attended Eton College, one of England's most prestigious schools. However, he struggled to fit into the conservative environment of Eton. Shelley often faced bullying and was dubbed "Mad Shelley" by his peers due to his eccentric behavior, fiery temper, and passionate curiosity. While at Eton, he began to develop his ideas about social equality and individual freedom.

In 1810, Shelley entered University College, Oxford. There, he continued to explore his intellectual and literary interests, forming a friendship with fellow student Thomas Jefferson Hogg, who shared his progressive views. During this time, Shelley published his first works, including Zastrozzi (1810), a gothic novel, and St. Irvyne (1811).

Shelley’s rebellious streak reached new heights at Oxford, where he and Hogg co-authored a pamphlet titled The Necessity of Atheism, challenging the existence of God. This pamphlet scandalized Oxford authorities, leading to Shelley’s expulsion from the university in 1811. The expulsion alienated him from his family, especially his father, who disapproved of his radical views.

 Early Career and Personal Life

After his expulsion, Shelley moved to London and became involved in the city's intellectual and radical circles. During this period, he eloped with Harriet Westbrook, a 16-year-old girl who shared his frustration with her own family. The marriage, however, was troubled from the start, as Shelley’s feelings for Harriet quickly cooled.

In 1813, Shelley published Queen Mab, his first significant poem, which criticized organized religion, monarchy, and social inequality. The poem became popular among reformers and radicals, marking Shelley as a voice for change and justice. Queen Mab reflects Shelley's desire for a utopian society free from oppression, superstition, and exploitation, themes that would continue to appear in his later works.

While married to Harriet, Shelley met Mary Wollstonecraft Godwin, the daughter of philosopher William Godwin and feminist writer Mary Wollstonecraft. The two fell deeply in love, and in 1814, they ran away to Europe together. This affair scandalized society and strained Shelley’s relationship with his family and friends, but his commitment to Mary never wavered.

Major Works and Themes

Shelley’s literary output was prolific, and his works are characterized by their lyrical beauty, passionate idealism, and philosophical depth. He wrote poetry, plays, essays, and philosophical treatises, often exploring themes of social reform, political radicalism, love, and the relationship between humanity and nature.

Prometheus Unbound (1820)

One of Shelley’s most significant works, Prometheus Unbound is a lyrical drama that draws upon the Greek myth of Prometheus, who defied the gods to bring fire to humanity. In Shelley’s version, Prometheus becomes a symbol of humanity's potential for liberation from tyranny and oppression. This work reflects Shelley’s belief in the power of the individual to resist oppressive institutions and aspire toward moral and social progress.

Ode to the West Wind (1819)

One of Shelley’s best-known poems, Ode to the West Wind is both a tribute to the natural world and a metaphor for the power of revolutionary ideas. The poem reflects Shelley’s longing for change and his belief that nature embodies a force of renewal and transformation. This piece exemplifies the Romantic ideals of the interconnectedness of nature and humanity and the poet’s role as a prophet of change.

The Mask of Anarchy (1819)

Written in response to the Peterloo Massacre, in which British soldiers killed peaceful protestors demanding political reform, The Mask of Anarchy is a scathing critique of political corruption and abuse of power. Shelley advocates for nonviolent resistance and envisions a society built on justice, freedom, and compassion. The poem was considered too radical for publication during his lifetime but later became one of his most influential political works.

Adonais (1821)

Adonais is an elegy for John Keats, who died in 1821, and it mourns the loss of a brilliant young poet while celebrating his spirit and legacy. This poem is one of the finest examples of Shelley’s mastery of language, and it reflects his deep sense of the fleeting nature of life and the enduring impact of art.

Death and Legacy

On July 8, 1822, Shelley drowned in a sudden storm while sailing his boat, the Don Juan, off the coast of Viareggio, Italy. His body washed ashore days later, and he was cremated on the beach, with Lord Byron, Leigh Hunt, and Edward Trelawny present at the funeral. Mary Shelley, who outlived him for many years, devoted herself to preserving and publishing his works, ensuring that his legacy would endure.

Shelley’s death at such a young age only added to his mystique, and his work was initially more appreciated by a small circle of admirers than by the general public. However, his reputation grew over the years, and today he is regarded as one of the most important English poets, celebrated for his visionary ideas, lyrical beauty, and uncompromising commitment to freedom.