Prose Works of Percy Bysshe Shelley Vol. II

The prose works Vol II presents a diverse range of writings that reveal the intellectual breadth and emotional depth of the author. This volume brings together early fictional pieces, polemical tracts, and correspondence, illuminating Shelley's evolving views on human nature, justice, and individual freedom. His romanticism and radical political stance are evident in the combination of gothic narrative and impassioned argumentation. The book opens with Zastrozzi, a work defined by vengeance, isolation, and intense emotional conflict. In this tale, readers are confronted with a nightmarish world in which the character Verezzi becomes the object of a remorseless pursuit. The psychological pressure exerted by Zastrozzi blends with the claustrophobic atmosphere of confinement and emotional manipulation, offering a stark portrayal of human endurance and moral extremity. Shelley's prose brims with fervent conviction, drawing on themes of suffering and resistance, and projecting broader reflections on authority, rebellion, and the inner life of the individual. As the volume progresses, the selections continue to reveal Shelley's preoccupations with liberty, the human spirit, and the struggle to find meaning in a corrupt world.