Ozymandias

Question 1

Summarise the poem

Answer 1

Provides a moral lesson that tyranny and self-importance is powerless in the face of time.

Question 2

Why do you think Shelley picks a statue as a metaphor for power?

Answer 2

Because if you have a statue you are venerated and glorified even though you might not be the best person. Statues are just stone and wear away over time.

Question 3

Why might have Shelley written the poem?

Answer 3

To criticise the glorification of unworthy idols whose impact never lasts

Question 4

How does Percy Bysshe Shelley present power?

Answer 4

-By using a metaphor of a statue and suggesting powers impermanence
-Dramatic irony is used in “Nothing besides remains” as it directly contradicts the message on Ozymandias’ statue.
-It emphatically destroys his self made image.
-Plosive alliteration is used in “boundless and bare” to create an infinite atmosphere of nothingness and desolation.
-The poet did this to teach people that power in only temporary