Ozymandias Flashcards
What is the poem ozymandias about!?
The destruction of a leader’s statue
He was a perfect dictator who abused his power
Once he died, his people neglected his statue meaning all that is legacy is broken and “shattered” statue
What is the intent of the poem!?
A moral: be a respectful leader and don’t ABUSE YOUR POWER!!! (Key theme)
Without people you can’t keep a legacy alive
Links 2 context
Written about Rameses II
He had multiple wives and children
He forced his people to make multiple statues of him
When he died no one looked after them so they are destroyed!!
What is the form/structure of the poem!?
Broken sonnet- represents his broken legacy/reputation just like his statue- 11 syllables instead of 10
People once loved him however that love has been broken when he became to arrogant
Sonnet usually used in a love poem- irony because it’s used to show the breaking of love
Name 3 quotes from the poem
“Round the decay of that colossal wreck, boundless and bare”
“Stamped on these lifeless things”
“King of kings”
What the word “stamped” show!?
Technique!?
Aggressive verb
He doesn’t care about his people
What does the word “lifeless” show
Technique!?
He doesn’t view them as humans- they are worthless to him
What does the word”things”show
Technique!?
Derogatory noun
Shows them less than people
What does the phrase “king of kings” show
Technique!?
Superlative
Ironic: ozymandias means ruler of air- he is the ruler of nothing
What does the word “decay” show
Technique!?
Abstract noun
Decline/ destroyed by nature
What does the phrase “colossal wreck”show!?
Technique!?
Oxymoron
Colossal- once large and powerful
Wreck- destroyed
What does the phrase”boundless and bare” show
Technique!?
Plosives
Bitterness towards ozymandias because he abused his power so he was stripped of his power and legacy
What the key themes of ozymandias
Power
Power of nature
Abuse of power
Loss of power
