Ozymandias Flashcards
What is the role of the frame narrator in the poem?
The frame narrator introduces an indirect perspective, creating a sense of detachment and irony.
What does the term ‘antique land’ evoke?
‘Antique’ evokes an archaic, mythic past, reinforcing the theme of transience.
What does the synecdoche ‘trunkless legs’ symbolize?
It foreshadows the erosion of power, symbolizing the disintegration of empire and human legacy.
What is highlighted by the juxtaposition of grandeur and decay?
The colossal size is undercut by destruction, reinforcing the theme of hubristic decline.
What effect does the caesura in ‘… near them, on the sand’ create?
The pause introduces an element of deliberation and suspense, mirroring the fractured nature of the statue.
How is the ruler characterized in lines 5-6?
The tripartite depiction conveys a tyrannical, imperious presence.
What does the sibilance in ‘sneer of cold command’ reflect?
It mirrors the scorn and cruelty of the ruler, reflecting Shelley’s critique of authoritarian figures.
What does the ekphrasis in the poem suggest?
The sculptor’s skill immortalizes the ruler’s hubris, demonstrating the paradox of art outliving its subject.
What is the paradox presented in ‘survive… lifeless things’?
It underscores the contrast between art’s permanence and political impermanence.
What is the double meaning of ‘mocked’ in the poem?
‘Mocked’ can mean both ‘to ridicule’ (critique of tyranny) and ‘to imitate’ (artistic representation).
What do ‘hand’ and ‘heart’ symbolize in the poem?
‘Hand’ represents rulership and control, while ‘heart’ suggests passion or cruelty.
What does the imperative ‘Look on my Works’ suggest?
It suggests intended awe, yet the juxtaposition with ruin reveals dramatic irony.
What biblical allusion is made with ‘King of Kings’?
It echoes Old Testament depictions of absolute rulers, reinforcing Shelley’s critique of megalomania.
What does the alliteration in ‘boundless and bare’ emphasize?
It emphasizes the emptiness of the desert, intensifying the contrast between past grandeur and present insignificance.
What does the juxtaposition of ‘colossal wreck’ suggest?
It suggests that even vast power is ultimately reduced to ruins.
What does the phrase ‘lone and level sands’ symbolize?
It symbolizes the relentless passage of time, reinforcing the obliteration of human ambition.
What does the visual imagery of endless emptiness convey?
It suggests that nature and time erase all human legacies, rendering the tyrant’s claims meaningless.
What does Ozymandias critique?
Ozymandias critiques political arrogance and dictatorship, symbolizing the inevitable downfall of despotic rulers.
What historical context influenced the writing of Ozymandias?
Shelley wrote during a time of oppressive rule in Europe, following Napoleon’s fall from power in 1815.
How is Napoleon related to the poem Ozymandias?
Napoleon is seen as a modern Ozymandias, a once-great ruler now powerless and forgotten.
What warning does Ozymandias provide regarding empires?
The poem warns about imperial hubris, indicating that even the mightiest empires eventually collapse.
What archaeological discovery sparked interest in ancient Egypt?
The Rosetta Stone, discovered in 1799 and deciphered in 1814, sparked significant archaeological interest.
What does the ruined statue in Ozymandias symbolize?
It symbolizes the impermanence of material wealth and the fragility of power.
How does Shelley’s atheism influence Ozymandias?
The poem lacks mention of gods, emphasizing that only time, nature, and decay hold power over human achievements.
What critique does Ozymandias make about divine kingship?
The decay of Ozymandias’ statue critiques the belief that kings are immortal or god-like.
How does Ozymandias reflect Romantic ideals?
The poem emphasizes nature’s dominance over human creations, showcasing the insignificance of human achievements.
What role does the sculptor play in Ozymandias?
The sculptor preserves the king’s memory, suggesting that art and literature endure over time.
What were Shelley’s radical political views?
Shelley advocated for republicanism, individual liberty, and the overthrow of tyranny.
How did Shelley’s personal struggles influence Ozymandias?
His struggles with authority and self-imposed exile may have influenced the poem’s skepticism toward power.
What is unique about the sonnet form of Ozymandias?
Ozymandias blends elements of both Shakespearean and Petrarchan sonnets with an irregular rhyme scheme.
Which historical source inspired Shelley in writing Ozymandias?
Shelley was inspired by Diodorus Siculus, who wrote about a colossal statue of Ramses II.
What themes does Ozymandias share with other literary works?
It shares themes with Horace’s ‘Odes’ and Shakespeare’s Sonnet 55, discussing the impermanence of rulers.
What Romantic themes are present in Ozymandias?
The poem emphasizes time, decay, and the futility of human pride, reflecting Romantic ideals.
