A DEFENCE OF POETRY

Percy Bysshe Shelley

THE CREATIVE PROCESS

During the process, the poet cannot use reason or determination of the will. The process of inspiration is vanishing, it occurs occasionally and instantly, then fades away when composition begins, thus probably the poetry is only the shadow of the feelings that the poet has felt before composing.

THE POET'S IDENTITY

The poet is on a higher layer compared to other men, thus he is much more different. He has most delicate sensibility and most enlarged imagination. He feels deeper in his emotions than others and he has looks to ordinary things in a different way. This vision of the poet is taken by the first generation of Romanticism.

THE POET'S TASK

The poet should take events from natural characters and from common life, he has to take the best and the most beautiful of which he finds in the world, then he composes poetry making them immortal. He has to describe feelings and emotions while watching nature.

DEFINITION OF POETRY

"Poetry is the record of the best and happiest moments of the happiest and best minds". It elevates and delights beyond all expression, so even in the desire and the regret they leave, there cannot but be pleasure.