Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
"To a Skylark" is a poem written by Percy Bysshe Shelley in which he expresses his admiration for the skylark bird's ability to soar high in the sky and sing joyfully.
Related terms
Romanticism: Romanticism refers to an artistic movement characterized by an emphasis on emotion, individuality, imagination, and appreciation for nature's beauty. "To a Skylark" exemplifies many elements of Romanticism, such as the celebration of nature and the expression of intense emotions.
An ode is a type of poem that expresses admiration, praise, or celebration for a person, place, thing, or idea. "To a Skylark" is an example of an ode because it glorifies the skylark bird and its ability to inspire awe in the poet.
Symbolism is the use of symbols to represent ideas or qualities. In "To a Skylark," Shelley uses the skylark as a symbol for inspiration and transcendence, representing the power of art and poetry to uplift the human spirit.