The everlasting universe of things / Flows through the mind, and rolls its rapid waves
-- Speaker (Lines 1 – 2)

Importance: These are the opening lines of “Mont Blanc.” Shelley poignantly posits that the universe and all its objects moves the human mind in unseen ways. This metaphysical sentiment sets up the description of the environment surrounding Mont Blanc and the psychic and spiritual impact it has on the poet, who is prompted to examine the nature of his own consciousness as a consequence of an encounter with the majestic in nature.

Thy caverns echoing to the Arve's commotion, / A loud, lone sound no other sound can tame; / Thou art pervaded with that ceaseless motion, / Thou art the path of that unresting sound—
-- Speaker (Lines 30 – 33)

Importance: In this portion of the verse the speaker addresses the Arve River. He suggests that it embodies the perpetual flux and continuity of the universe. At this point in the verse the speaker is...