How are ideas in Ozymandias presented compared to another in power and conflict

Question 1

AO1- negative ideas of power

Answer 1

effects of power- arrogrance and pride (negative effects- Last duchess london)
Treatment of those in power vs. those who are not - London, charge of the light brigade, Storm on the island, The emigree
Treatment of power in more universal sense such as the power of the natural world- Storm on island, extract from the prelude

Question 2

AO2

Answer 2

use of images to present ideas about consumption of power- London, My last duchess
Use of sand as a metaphor for passing of time and impermanence of human constructions
Poet presenting treatments of those in power- My last duchess, London
Use of first person perspective to create irony- My last duchess, (contrast with storm on island “we)

Question 3

AO3

Answer 3

responsibility of those in power-London
effects of power on the individual-The prelude, my last duchess
Valid treatment of the use of the particular to present universal ideas- statue in ozymandias used lyrically to explore fragility of power
treatment os power of nature/ time in a romantic perspective- The prelude, storm on island

Question 4

Treatment of those in power(AO2

Question 5

Arrogance of rulers

Answer 5

Shelley points out the arrogance of Ramses (also spelt Ramesses) and other leaders, whose power has led to pride and the mistreatment of others.
The sculptor satirises (uses humour or irony to criticise) Ozymandias, shown by the phrase, “the hand that mocked them…”.

Question 6

Presenting universal ideas(AO3)

Answer 6

By describing how nothing remains of Ozymandias but a work of art (statue) and collection of words (inscription), Shelley suggests that art, language and literature are far more enduring (lasting) than human power.

Question 7

Presenting universal ideas (AO3)

Answer 7

There is a certain timelessness to the poem.
You could argue that its messages about the abuse of power and the temporary nature of political authority are as relevant today as when Shelley was writing.

Question 8

Which messages in Ozymandias are arguably as relevant today as they were when Shelley was writing?

Answer 8

Abuse of power

temporary nature of political power

Question 9

In Ozymandias, what suggests that art, language and literature are more enduring (lasting) than human power?

Answer 9

that nothing remains of ozymandias except a statue and an inscription

Question 10

AO1-Ephemeral human power

Answer 10

Ozymandias’ power comes to an end. This reflects Shelley’s overarching message that human power is ephemeral (temporary). Shelley uses these techniques to emphasise the ephemeral nature of Ozymandias’ power:

Question 11

Caesura

Answer 11

The caesura (break in the line) after “remains” in line 12 highlights how Ozymandias’ power has come to an end.

Question 12

Juxtaposition

Answer 12

The juxtaposition (placing two things together for comparison or contrast) of “colossal” and “wreck” emphasises the contrast between his former power and his current state.

Question 13

AO3-Ruined statue metaphore

Answer 13

The ruined statue is a metaphor for political power.

Just as the face of the statue is “shattered”, “decay[ed]” and a “wreck”, so too is Ozymandias’ power.

Question 14

AO2- corruption of power

Answer 14

Shelley portrays Ozymandias negatively to show his dislike for corrupt rulers and the abuse of power. He uses these literary devices to do so:

Question 15

Negative language

Answer 15

The language used to describe the ruler is deeply negative. For example, “frown”, “sneer”, “wrinkled”, “stamped”.
This reflects the poet’s own feelings towards the king and those who rule in a cruel manner.

Question 16

Alliteration

Answer 16

The use of sound in the poem contributes to the speaker’s distaste towards Ozymandias.
For example, the alliteration of the harsh ‘c’ and ‘b’ sound in “cold command” and “boundless and bare”

Question 17

AO1- effects of power- arrogrant, boastful,pride

Answer 17

Ozymandias, who represents corrupt rulers and the misuse of power, is characterised as arrogant, proud and boastful. Shelley uses the following techniques to characterise Ozymandias in this way:

Question 18

Repetition

Answer 18

The repetition of “king” in “king of kings” shows how Ozymandias wished to portray himself as omnipotent (all- powerful).
It suggests he is trying to deify himself (make himself a god) and wants to be worshipped as one.

Question 19

Imperative language

Answer 19

The imperative verb “look” indicates how controlling the king was.

Question 20

KEY QUOTATIONS-SENECCA COURSE

Question 21

“Vast and trunkless legs of stone”

Answer 21

Metaphor.

This describes the statue. The ruined statue is a metaphor for political power.

Question 22

“Half sunk”

Answer 22

Metaphor.

This describes the statue. The ruined statue is a metaphor for political power.

Question 23

“Shattered visage”

Answer 23

Metaphor.
This describes the statue. The ruined statue is a metaphor for political power.
Just as the face of the statue is “shattered”, “decay[ed]” and a “wreck”, so too is Ozymandias’ power.

Question 24

“Sneer of cold command”

Answer 24

Alliteration.
The use of sound in the poem contributes to the speaker’s distaste towards Ozymandias.
For example, the alliteration of the harsh ‘c’ and ‘b’ sound in “cold command” and “boundless and bare”.

Question 25

“My name is Ozymandias, king of kings…”

Answer 25

“My name is Ozymandias, king of kings: / Look on my works, ye Mighty, and despair!”.
The repetition of “king of kings” shows how Ozymandias wished to portray himself as omnipotent (all powerful).
It suggests that he is trying to deify himself (make himself a god) and wants to be worshipped as one.

Question 26

“Nothing besides remains. Round the decay…”

Answer 26

“Nothing besides remains. Round the decay / of that colossal wreck, boundless and bare”.
Juxtaposition.
The juxtaposition of “colossal” and “wreck” emphasises the contrast between his former power and his current state.
Caesura.
The caesura after “remains” in line 12 highlights how Ozymandias’ power has come to an end.

Question 27

key comparisons ozymandias:

Question 28

Power of nature vs power of humans

Answer 28

You may want to compare the theme of power of nature vs power of humans in Ozymandias to the following texts:
Storm on the Island.
Exposure.
The Prelude.

Question 29

Powerful individuals, misuse of power and corruption

Answer 29

You may want to compare the theme of powerful individuals, misuse of power and corruption in Ozymandias to the following texts:
My Last Duchess.
London.