ozymandias

Question 1

Sneer of cold
command
”

Answer 1

Alliteration of the hard ‘c’ sound contributes to the speaker’s distaste towards Ozymandias.

Question 2

Vast and trunkless legs of
stone
”

Answer 2

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

Question 3

“My name is Ozymandias,
king
of kings…”

Answer 3

The repetition of “king of kings” shows how Ozymandias wished to portray himself as all omnipotent (all powerful).

Question 4

“Half
sunk
”

Answer 4

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

Question 4

“
Nothing
besides remains. Round the decay…”

Answer 4

The juxtaposition of “colossal” and “wreck” emphasises the contrast between his former power and his current state. The caesura (break in the line) after “remains” highlights how Ozymandias’ power has come to an end.

Question 5

“
Shattered
visage

Answer 5

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

Question 6

context behind ozymandias

Answer 6

Shelley is using Ozymandias as a representation of King _______ III and all figures of power. He plays with the literal and the metaphorical to create an overwhelming sense of _____ surrounding the fall of the King’s influence. corrupt industrialising society.