Ozymandias Flashcards
Plot summary
The narrator recounts a traveler’s tale of finding a ruined statue in the desert. The statue, of the once-mighty king Ozymandias, lies broken with only legs and a shattered face remaining. An inscription boasts of his greatness, but the surrounding desert is empty, with nothing left of his empire. The poem highlights the fleeting nature of power and the inevitability of decline.
Context
Historical Context:
“Ozymandias” refers to Ramses II, a powerful Egyptian pharaoh known for his military achievements and grand monuments.
The poem was written in 1817, during a time when European interest in ancient Egypt was growing due to archaeological discoveries.
Poet’s Background:
Percy Bysshe Shelley was a Romantic poet known for his radical political views and criticism of tyranny and oppression.
Shelley was critical of the British monarchy and authoritarian rule, advocating for social justice and individual freedom.
Purpose of Writing:
Shelley wrote “Ozymandias” to critique the abuse of power and the arrogance of rulers who believe their legacy will last forever.
The poem serves as a reminder of the transient nature of human power and achievements, emphasizing that even the mightiest empires will eventually fall.
Structure and Form in Ozymandias
Sonnet Form:
“Ozymandias” is written as a sonnet, a 14-line poem traditionally used for love poetry.Shelley’s use of the sonnet form is somewhat unconventional, as it mixes elements of both the Petrarchan and Shakespearean sonnet structures perhaps connoting Ozymandias’ narcissistic view of himself
Rhyme Scheme:
The poem follows an irregular rhyme scheme: ABABACDCEDEFEF.This irregularity reflects the fragmented and broken nature of Ozymandias’ statue and his crumbling power.
Iambic Pentameter:
The poem is primarily written in iambic pentameter, a rhythmic pattern of ten syllables per line with alternating stressed and unstressed syllables. However, Shelley breaks this rhythm in line 10, where Ozymandias’ voice interrupts, perhaps symbolizing his belief that he is above the law.
Enjambment:
Shelley uses enjambment to create a sense of continuity and flow, despite the fragmented subject matter. This technique mirrors the ongoing passage of time and the inevitable decline of Ozymandias’ power.
Caesura:
The poem features caesura (pauses within lines), such as after “remains” in line 12, which emphasizes the finality of Ozymandias’ fall from power.
Second-Hand Narrative:
The poem is framed as a second-hand account, with the narrator recounting a story told by a traveler. This narrative distance underscores the insignificance and obscurity of Ozymandias’ legacy.
“Half sunk, a shattered visage lies”
The metaphor of the “shattered visage” reflects the broken power of Ozymandias. The phrase “half sunk” suggests the inevitable passage of time and the erosion of human achievements.
“Sneer of cold command”
The alliteration of the harsh ‘c’ sounds in “cold command” conveys Ozymandias’ authoritarian and unfeeling nature. The “sneer” suggests arrogance and disdain. It could represent how Shelley feels about tyrants.
“My name is Ozymandias, king of kings: / Look on my works, ye Mighty, and despair!”
The imperative “Look” and the repetition of “king of kings” emphasize Ozymandias’ arrogance and desire for eternal recognition. The irony lies in the fact that there is nothing left to “look on” but ruins.
“Nothing beside remains. Round the decay / Of that colossal wreck, boundless and bare”
The juxtaposition of “colossal wreck” highlights the contrast between Ozymandias’ former power and his current state of ruin. The caesura after “remains” emphasizes the finality of his decline. The words “boundless and bare” evoke the vast, empty desert, underscoring the insignificance of human power.
“The lone and level sands stretch far away.”
The alliteration of “lone and level” and the imagery of endless sands emphasize the desolation and the enduring power of nature over human achievements. The poem ends with a sense of vast emptiness, reinforcing the theme of impermanence.
Comparisons
My Last Duchess” by Robert Browning
Theme: Both poems explore the abuse of power and the arrogance of rulers.
Comparison: While “Ozymandias” focuses on the inevitable decline of a tyrant’s legacy, “My Last Duchess” delves into the controlling and possessive nature of a powerful individual. Both poems use art (the statue in “Ozymandias” and the portrait in “My Last Duchess”) to reflect the characters’ hubris and eventual downfall.
“London” by William Blake
Theme: Both poems critique the misuse of power and the suffering it causes.
Comparison: “London” portrays the immediate effects of oppressive power on society, while “Ozymandias” reflects on the long-term futility of such power. Both poems use stark imagery to convey their messages.
“Storm on the Island” by Seamus Heaney
Theme: Both poems explore the power of nature versus human power.
Comparison: “Storm on the Island” emphasizes the overwhelming force of nature and human vulnerability, while “Ozymandias” shows nature’s ability to erode and outlast human achievements. Both poems highlight the insignificance of human efforts in the face of natural forces.
“Exposure” by Wilfred Owen
Theme: Both poems deal with the themes of time and endurance.
Comparison: “Exposure” focuses on the relentless passage of time and its impact on soldiers, while “Ozymandias” reflects on how time erodes even the mightiest of human legacies. Both poems use bleak imagery to convey their themes.
“The Prelude” by William Wordsworth
Theme: Both poems explore the relationship between humans and nature.
Comparison: “The Prelude” reflects on the awe-inspiring power of nature and its impact on the individual, while “Ozymandias” shows nature’s ability to diminish human achievements. Both poems use natural imagery to underscore their themes.
“Tissue” by Imtiaz Dharker
Theme: Both poems reflect on the impermanence of human creations.
Comparison: “Tissue” uses the metaphor of paper to explore the fragility of human structures and the transient nature of power, while “Ozymandias” uses the ruined statue to convey similar ideas. Both poems suggest that human efforts are fleeting compared to the enduring forces of nature and time.
