Ozymandias Flashcards
Analyse form in Ozymandias
Shelley, whereas, uses form to establish his own control and individuality. Ozymandias takes the form of both a Petrarchan sonnet, since it has an octave and sestet, and also a Shakespearian sonnet, taking the ABAB rhyme scheme. Here, we could suggest that Shelley is trying to establish his own control, similar to Ozymandias, through creating a new form of sonnet. Shelley almost aligns himself with Ozymandias and dictators here as he wants to create something that will outlive him. Despite the poem overall criticisng those in power, we worry that Shelley shares some of these dictatorial qualities.
Analyse the opening of Ozymandias
Whereas, Shelley uses the start of his poem to try and detach himself from the criticism In his poem. The speaker claims he ‘’met a traveler from an antique land who said…’’. Shelley makes it clear that this isn’t an open criticism of the English monarchy. However, the adjective ‘’antique’’ again links back to the Royal family and the monarchy, which dates back hundreds of years. Alternatively, it could suggest something fragile, again linking to his criticism of George III, the implication that those in power will not be in power for long. This point is reiterated throughout the poem, through the statue of Ozymandias, who’s power fades over time – becomes ‘’antique’’, similar to the Royal family.
Analyse the structure of Ozymandias
Similarly, there’s an element of chaos in the structure of Ozymandias. Along with the new form of sonnet described earlier, Shelley’s poem is also littered with enjambment and caesura. The caesura controls how we read the poem – similar to how Ozymandais had control over his people whilst he was alive. However, the enjambment reflects chaos – alluding to how after his death, Ozymandias’ power was short-lived. Alternatively, Shelley could be implying that if there isn’t someone distinctly in power, this leads to chaos. Again, as a reader, worry that Shelley shares traits with Ozymandias as he may believe that a dictator is the way to avoid chaos.
Analyse the language in Ozymandias
Similarly, Shelley uses biblical allusions to portray the consequences for dictators. On the pedestal, it claims that Ozymandias is the ‘’King of Kings’’. This is an allusion to the description of Jesus in the bible. There’s a juxtaposition between’s Jesus’ kindness and Ozymandias’ tyranny – Shelley could be suggesting that all dictators will inevitably go to hell.
Analyse the ending of Ozymandias
Shelley, in the ending of his poem, shows the power of time. He claims ‘’Look on my works, ye Mighty’’. This ‘’mighty’’ could be referencing Shakespeare and Petrarch, the ‘’works’’ being his new form of sonnet. Shelley shows that power is passed on and fades with time – there isn’t anything these old poets can do about it because they are dead – similar to how Ozymandias is. However, we know that Shelley is criticisng the royal family and George III. When a royal dies, their power is continued through their heir. Perhaps Shelley wants us to realise that they have too much power - as it doesn’t fade with time, like it should do.
