The Masque of Anarchy
Book Review
«The Masque of Anarchy» by Percy Bysshe Shelley is a powerful political poem written in response to Peterloo, the bloody suppression of a peaceful demonstration in Manchester in 1819. Shelley uses allegory and symbolism to express his outrage and call for nonviolent resistance to tyranny. Critics note that the poem combines vivid emotionality and intellectual depth, making it one of the most significant works of political poetry of the 19th century. Shelley masterfully uses imagery and metaphors to convey a sense of injustice and hope for change. The final part of the poem stands out, where the poet calls on the people to awaken and fight for their rights, making it relevant even today. Critics also emphasize that «The Masque of Anarchy» is an important contribution to the development of Romantic literature, demonstrating the power of poetry as a means of social and political protest.
