Percy Shelley’s Sonnet

Tyra Price

Professor Snodgrass

ENG 1101

21 October 2014

In the first line Percy Shelley’s sonnet, he uses a metaphor comparing the mentioned veil to life. The opening words “Lift not” make an imperative statement warning the reader to lift the veil. All we are allowed to see are the “unreal shapes”. These unreal shapes represent the distorted images that make our truth. Beyond the veil lie fear and hope. The two emotions are juxtaposed. With one emotion there will always be the other. There can be fear from the people who are not used to the uncensored world or the fear of people becoming independent. The veil can either protect or hinder us from seeing the truth. In the third line Shelley uses the word “mimic” to show how our reality is a mere image of what believe and what we see. This same word creates a reflection of the influences that act as painted veils. The mentioned chasm shows what society has become which is dark and empty. This allows for there to be no individualism but only conformity. But there is hope in the 7th line, a person tries to uncover the truth. And like all individualists, that person tries to search for other to join. Yet he did not succeed “through the unheeding many he did move… and like a Preacher found it not.” After this the rebel has no choice but to follow the rest and blend back in with the rest of society. Shelley’s main message in this meaningful sonnet is to get the reader to reflect on society and conformity.