Ozymandias Flashcards
what are the main themes in Ozymandias
power of humans, power of nature and abuse of power because of pride
what is the poem context of Ozymandias
the discovery of a semi destroyed and decaying statue presenting how control deteriorates over time as a consequence of nature and pride. ozy is an extended metaphor for the eventual end of power
what is the historical context of Ozymandias
inspired by a recent unearthing of a large statue: Rameses 11 ( an Egyptian pharaoh ) who believed they were a mortal version of God and were going to live forever
what is the context of the Poet Shelly in Ozymandias
believed strongly about equality and was atheist
what is the rhyme scheme in Ozymandias and what does this reflect
no regular Rhyme reflecting how human power can be destroyed
Ozymandias is a sonnet, what does this reflect
the love spoken about is reflective of the love for power, control and oneself
what are two points of analysis to make about the poem Ozymandias
the power of humans and the power of nature
what are two quotes for the power of humans
“king of kings”
“mocked, sneered, frowned”
write a short analysis for the quote “king of kings”
biblical reference - ozy sees himself as a God like figure and all powerful, which is ironic as he is as fragile as everyone else.
link to shellys lack of religious beliefs as it questions Gods existence
write a short analysis for the quotes “mocked, sneered, frowned”
semantic feild, being a heartless, unfair ruler and abusing his power using it in a negative manner
what are three quotes for the power of nature
“sands”
lone and level sands”
“nothing beside remains”
write a short analysis for the quote “nothing beside remains”
caesura reflecting the abrupt end to human power
the only thing left is nature
write a short analysis for the quote “lone and level sands”
symbolic of the sands of time, the idea that nature is consistent. the repetition of the “L” reflects the continuous empty space of the desert and that is the only reliable thing. also presents the fading of power
write a short analysis for the quote “sands”
reflect an hourglass filled with time implying that ozys power had a limit and it ran out, however sands can be flipped reflecting how nature is always in control
what poems can be compared to Ozymandias and give two simples points of comparison for each
the prelude - natures power is more controlling than humans, pride of humanity
my last duchess - origin of pride is love for ones self, legacy of subject is told through another person (lack of power)
