Ozymandias

Question 1

who wrote it

Answer 1

Percy Bysshe Shelley

Question 2

when was it written

Answer 2

1817

Question 3

context

Answer 3

• wrote after hearing about how an italian explorer had retrieved the statue from the desert
• Shelley was a Romantic poet
• romantic poets believed in emotion rather than reason, and tried to capture intense experiences in their work and particularly focused on the power of nature
• Shelley disliked monarchy’s, absolute power and the oppression of ordinary people
• his radical political views were inspired by the French Revolution

Question 4

key quotes

Answer 4

‘shattered visage’

‘the hand that mocked them’

‘the decay of that colossal wreck’

Question 5

‘shattered visage’

Answer 5

Symbol of Ruin and Decay – The “visage” (face) of the statue, which once represented Ozymandias’ power, is now broken and fragmented. This reflects the inevitable decline of even the greatest rulers and their empires, reinforcing the poem’s theme of transience.

Irony – Ozymandias likely intended his statue to be a lasting symbol of his authority, but its shattered state undermines his arrogance. The ruined face is a stark contrast to his once-mighty rule, emphasizing the futility of human ambition.

Loss of Identity – Despite the sculptor capturing the ruler’s “sneer of cold command,” the broken state of the face makes it difficult to fully recognise the man it represents. This highlights how time erases personal legacies, leaving only remnants of past glory.

Power of Art vs. Human Power – Though the visage is shattered, its expression still conveys Ozymandias’ character, showing that art can outlast the subjects it depicts. The sculptor’s skill preserves the essence of the ruler, even as his empire fades.

Question 6

‘the hand that mocked them’

Answer 6

To imitate: The word “mocked” can mean to mimic or recreate, suggesting that the sculptor accurately captured Ozymandias’ expressions, particularly his arrogance and cruelty. The artist’s skill preserved the king’s character in stone.

To ridicule: “Mocked” can also mean to make fun of or scorn. This interpretation suggests irony—while Ozymandias saw himself as powerful, the artist may have subtly criticized him by exposing his arrogance in his facial expression.

2. The Role of the Sculptor
   The “hand” could refer to the sculptor, who shaped the statue and immortalized Ozymandias’ personality. The artist’s work outlasts the ruler himself, reinforcing the idea that art endures longer than political power.
   There is an irony here: Ozymandias likely commissioned the statue to glorify himself, but it now serves as a testament to his downfall.
3. Power and Its Inevitable Decline
   The phrase connects to the poem’s overarching message about the temporary nature of human power. Though Ozymandias believed himself mighty, all that remains of his empire is a broken statue, and even the artist’s work is eroded by time.
   The phrase suggests a contrast between political power, which fades, and artistic power, which preserves history, even if it mocks its subject.

Question 7

‘the decay of that colossal wreck’

Answer 7

The word “decay” emphasizes the slow, natural process of deterioration, showing that even the greatest monuments and empires will eventually crumble.
Ozymandias once ruled with absolute power, but all that remains is a ruined statue, highlighting the impermanence of human achievements.

2. Irony of “Colossal Wreck”
   The phrase “colossal wreck” is paradoxical—something “colossal” suggests grandeur and strength, but “wreck” implies destruction and ruin. This contrast highlights the futility of Ozymandias’ arrogance and the ironic downfall of his once-great empire.
   The statue was meant to showcase his power, but instead, it stands as a symbol of his failure to defy time.
3. Nature’s Triumph Over Man
   The “decay” of the statue suggests that nature has slowly worn away what was once a grand representation of authority. The surrounding desert, vast and unchanging, has outlasted Ozymandias’ rule, reinforcing the theme of nature’s dominance over human ambition.
4. Symbolism of Ruins in History
   The image of a “colossal wreck” serves as a warning about the hubris of rulers who believe their power is eternal. History has seen many great civilizations fall—this phrase suggests that all human achievements are ultimately temporary.

Question 8

themes

Answer 8

• nature
• passing of time
• change and transformation
• negative emotions