Ozymandias

Question 1

Poet

Answer 1

Shelley was a Romantic poet and wrote Ozymandias in 1818.
Shelley was radical politically and disapproved of the British monarchy.
You could argue that this poem is a criticism of wielding (having and using) power in an undemocratic way and ruling as a tyrant.

Question 2

Summary

Answer 2

A narrator describes his meeting with a traveller from a foreign land.
This traveller told him a story about finding the shattered remains of an ancient statue of a king in the desert.
The inscription beneath the statue indicates that the king was arrogant, proud and boastful.

Question 3

Title

Answer 3

‘Ozymandias’ is another name for a famous ancient Egyptian Pharaoh – Ramses II – a successful warrior and builder.
He was considered to be one of the most powerful Pharaohs of Ancient Egypt.

Question 4

Key Ideas in Ozymandias

Answer 4

Arrogance of rulers

Shelley points out the arrogance of Ramses (also spelt Ramesses) and other leaders, whose power has led to pride and the mistreatment of others.
The sculptor satirises (uses humour or irony to criticise) Ozymandias, shown by the phrase, “the hand that mocked them…”.

Question 5

Key Ideas in Ozymandias

Answer 5

Power of art

By describing how nothing remains of Ozymandias but a work of art (statue) and collection of words (inscription), Shelley suggests that art, language and literature are far more enduring (lasting) than human power.

Question 6

Key Ideas in Ozymandias

Answer 6

Timeless message

There is a certain timelessness to the poem.
You could argue that its messages about the abuse of power and the temporary nature of political authority are as relevant today as when Shelley was writing.

Question 7

Key ideas shelly uses to emphasis human power is temporary

Answer 7

Ruined statue metaphor
Just as the face of the statue is “shattered”, “decay[ed]” and a “wreck”, so too is Ozymandias’ power.
Caesura
The caesura (break in the line) after “remains” in line 12 highlights how Ozymandias’ power has come to an end.
Juxtaposition
The juxtaposition (placing two things together for comparison or contrast) of “colossal” and “wreck” emphasises the contrast between his former power and his current state.

Question 8

Negative Portrayal of Ozymandias

Answer 8

Alliteration-The use of sound in the poem contributes to the speaker’s distaste towards Ozymandias.
For example, the alliteration of the harsh ‘c’ and ‘b’ sound in “cold command” and “boundless and bare”.

Question 9

Negative Portrayal of Ozymandias

Answer 9

Negative language-The language used to describe the ruler is deeply negative. For example, “frown”, “sneer”, “wrinkled”, “stamped”.
This reflects the poet’s own feelings towards the king and those who rule in a cruel manner.

Question 10

Repetition

Answer 10

The repetition of “king” in “king of kings” shows how Ozymandias wished to portray himself as omnipotent (all- powerful).
It suggests he is trying to deify himself (make himself a god) and wants to be worshipped as one.

Question 11

Imperative language

Answer 11

The imperative verb “look” indicates how controlling the king was.

Question 12

Irregular rhyme scheme

Answer 12

The rhyme scheme does not follow that of a Shakespearean or Petrarchan sonnet.
You could argue that this fragmented structure reflects the king’s “shattered” power.

Question 13

Rhythm breaker

Answer 13

Line 10 – Ozymandias’ voice – breaks iambic pentameter. This perhaps reflects the king’s belief that he is above the law.

Question 14

Enjambment and caesura

Answer 14

The use of enjambment (when a sentence or thought runs past the end of the line into the next) and caesura (break in the line) throughout the poem contributes to a sense of fragmentation.
This mirrors the broken statue and the way Ozymandias’ power has crumbled.

Question 15

Irony and Satire

Answer 15

There is a strong sense of irony in the poem. Ozymandias thinks his power will be immortal (last forever) but instead crumbles.

Question 16

Irony and Satire

Answer 16

Statue

Ozymandias uses an authoritative tone.
He commissioned the statue to make sure he was immortalised in people’s memories.
But instead, he is surrounded by a “boundless and bare” desert and therefore seen by no one.
Those that do see him are reminded of how his power crumbled, just like his statue.

Question 17

Irony and Satire

Answer 17

Second hand account

This is a second-hand account: the speaker is telling a story that was told to him.
It shows the speaker has not seen the statue for himself.
This highlights how insignificant Ozymandias has now become and how few people have seen for themselves the statue he created to be immortalised.

Question 18

Irony and Satire

Answer 18

Sonnet form

Because the poem is 14 lines long and written in iambic pentameter (apart from one line), it is in the form of a sonnet.
A sonnet is traditionally a love poem.
The poet could be making a little joke, pointing to Ozymandias’ love for himself and his ego.

Question 19

“Vast and trunkless legs of stone”

Answer 19

Metaphor.

This describes the statue. The ruined statue is a metaphor for political power.

Question 20

“Half sunk”

Answer 20

Metaphor.

This describes the statue. The ruined statue is a metaphor for political power.

Question 21

“Shattered visage”

Answer 21

Metaphor.
This describes the statue. The ruined statue is a metaphor for political power.
Just as the face of the statue is “shattered”, “decay[ed]” and a “wreck”, so too is Ozymandias’ power.

Question 22

“Sneer of cold command”

Answer 22

Alliteration.
The use of sound in the poem contributes to the speaker’s distaste towards Ozymandias.
For example, the alliteration of the harsh ‘c’ and ‘b’ sound in “cold command” and “boundless and bare”.

Question 23

“My name is Ozymandias, king of kings…”

Answer 23

“My name is Ozymandias, king of kings: / Look on my works, ye Mighty, and despair!”.
The repetition of “king of kings” shows how Ozymandias wished to portray himself as omnipotent (all powerful).
It suggests that he is trying to deify himself (make himself a god) and wants to be worshipped as one.

Question 24

“Nothing besides remains. Round the decay…”

Answer 24

“Nothing besides remains. Round the decay / of that colossal wreck, boundless and bare”.
Juxtaposition.
The juxtaposition of “colossal” and “wreck” emphasises the contrast between his former power and his current state.
Caesura.
The caesura after “remains” in line 12 highlights how Ozymandias’ power has come to an end.

Question 25

Key comparisons-power of nature vs power of humans

Answer 25

Storm on the Island.
Exposure.
The Prelude.
Tissue.

Question 26

Key Comparisons-Powerful individuals, misuse of power and corruption

Answer 26

My Last Duchess.

London.