Ozymandias Flashcards
CoFLS
Explain the context behind Shelley writing this poem.
He wrote it as a veiled criticism of the monarchical power of George IV.
Why does Shelley introduce the character of ‘a traveller from an antique land’?
To avoid the possible negative consequences of criticising the English king directly, Shelley distances himself from the criticism by putting it into the mouth of the character of the traveller.
What form is the poem written in?
Sonnet - A 14 line poem with a specific rhyme scheme.
Why is this poem written as a sonnet?
As sonnets are a type of love poetry, it suggests that Ozymandias is in love with himself.
Also, as the rhyme scheme does not follow either Petrarchan or Shakespearean conventions, it suggests that autocrats think they can break the rules as they please.
What 4 points must you cover in every GCSE poetry answer?
CoFLS - Context, Form, Language, Structure.
What structural device is used in this line, “Nothing beside remains. Round the decay”?
A caesura.
What is the effect of the caesura in the line, “Nothing beside remains. Round the decay”?
It forces the reader to pause, allowing consideration of how completely Ozymandias’ legacy has been forgotten.
Why does Shelley use the name Ozymandias rather than the actual Pharaoh’s name, Ramses?
This is another way of showing how the vainglorious ruler has been forgotten over time - even his real name has been lost and to the slight extent he is known, it is via a different name the Greeks gave him.
Name these 2 poetic devices and describe their effect in this line - “wrinkled lip and sneer of cold command”
Assonance & alliteration - they suggest the Pharaoh’s dismissive & cruel nature towards his people.
“The hand that mocked them and the heart that fed” - What are the 2 ways this line could be interpreted?
Either – The Pharaoh mocked his people, and ‘fed’ off them (like a vampire)
Or - The sculptor mocked his subject and his art ‘fed’ off creating an image of the Pharaoh.
Name this poetic technique and the biblical reference it makes - “king of kings”
Hyperbole - A reference to Jesus in the Bible.
” ‘Look on my works, ye Mighty, and despair!’ “ - Why is this line ironic?
Because very little of Ozymandias’ works have survived; just the partial remains of a ruined statue in an otherwise empty desert.
“boundless and bare/ The lone and level sands stretch far away.” Name the poetic technique and the effect.
Two sets of alliteration - B and L. The effect is to suggest the infinite expanse of the desert and suggest that only Nature is all powerful and everlasting.
What are the 4 main themes of this poem?
1) Tyranny will not last - Despite what they think, despotic rulers will eventually fall and be forgotten, and time will erase all knowledge of them.
2) Hubris/ Fame - What survives of tyranny is an unflattering portrait of the tyrant, not the empire or conquestshe wanted remembered.
3) Power and glory- These are not achievements which last, so we should neither strive to gain them nor look up to them.
4) The enduring power of the arts - The sculpture of Ozymandias has lasted while the Pharoah has died and been forgotten. Similarly, Shelley’s poem has also survived.
