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Ode to the West Wind Transformation Quotes

How we cite our quotes: (line)

Quote #4

O! lift me as a wave, a leaf, a cloud!
I fall upon the thorns of life! I bleed! (53-54)

The transformation experienced by human beings in their lives is one of pain, suffering, and martyrdom – the "thorns of life" aren’t a direct Biblical reference, but they certainly imply a Biblical atmosphere by reminding us of the "crown of thorns."

Quote #5

Be thou, Spirit fierce,
My spirit! Be thou me, impetuous one! (61-62)

The only transformation that the speaker believes can remedy the effects of the "thorns of life" is a complete fusion of Man and Nature, or maybe even a replacement of Man’s puny "spirit" with Nature’s immense "Spirit."