Ozymandias Flashcards
Themes present in ozymandias?
Power of nature
Power of humans
Pride
Quotes that show the power of nature? (Explained)
‘Colossal wreck , boundless and bare’- shows ‘colossal’ is a metaphor for his ego and power , but that will not last, as nature carries on. You will die and your power and legacy will die , nature will destroy you if you do not use power for good.
‘Lone and level sands stretch far away’ shows that after all the terror ozymandias struck , eventually nature will win and unless you left a positive legacy your legacy will die.
Quotes that show power of humans?
‘Two vast and trunkless legs of stone stand in a desert’- shows that even though during his life ozymandias had immense power, his legacy has died.
‘Cold command’ -suggest he makes decisions without thinking about others , shows how power can be used poorly.
‘My name is ozymandias , king of kings.’ People who get too much power believe they are better than their people so can do what they want, it is a message to stop people from getting so much power that they believe they are godlike
What is the structure and form in ozymandias?
-sonnet written in iambic pentameter. metre changed in line 11 and 13 to emphasise the futility of ozymandias’ boast
-poems can be divided into three parts:
> traveller creates a picture of ozymandias in the first and final parts
>middle part celebrates the sculptors artistry . Ironic as sculptors art endures but , while ozymandias’ power does not
Who wrote the poem?
Percy bysshe shelley
What was the context of oozymandias?
Some say it is inspired by king george III of england . He was involved in many military conflicts , and Shelley was opposed to them , and this poem could be seen as a protest. That is why he doesn’t directly say its his words , but a traveller from an antique land.
Quotes to show pride in ozymandias?
‘King of kings’
‘Pedestal’
