"The Mask of Anarchy" is a poem that highlights themes of freedom and was written following the Peterloo Massacre. It highlights an anarchy's power of the people, and the speaker criticizes it, suggesting that we should turn to an assemble and make rational decisions first. Italy is where the speaker wakes up in by England's voice, which calls him back to his homeland to witness the massacre. Beginning in Italy serves as a stark contrast to what the poem highlights - In Italy, all is calm, yet as the speaker is called back to England, the tone shifts dramtically to a more grotesque one as the speaker criticizes the anarchy that is arising. It emphasizes how heavy the reality in England is. 

"As I lay asleep in Italy

There came a voice from over the Sea

And with great power it forth led me

To walk in the visions of Poesy" (Shelley 1-4). 

 

Italy around the time of the Peterloo Massacre: early 19th century