Ozymandias Flashcards
Poet
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.
Summary
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.
Title
‘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.
Key Ideas in Ozymandias
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…”.
Key Ideas in Ozymandias
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.
Key Ideas in Ozymandias
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.
Key ideas shelly uses to emphasis human power is temporary
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.
Negative Portrayal of Ozymandias
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”.
Negative Portrayal of Ozymandias
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.
Repetition
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.
Imperative language
The imperative verb “look” indicates how controlling the king was.
Irregular rhyme scheme
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.
Rhythm breaker
Line 10 – Ozymandias’ voice – breaks iambic pentameter. This perhaps reflects the king’s belief that he is above the law.
Enjambment and caesura
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.
Irony and Satire
There is a strong sense of irony in the poem. Ozymandias thinks his power will be immortal (last forever) but instead crumbles.
Irony and Satire
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.
Irony and Satire
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.
Irony and Satire
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.
“Vast and trunkless legs of stone”
Metaphor.
This describes the statue. The ruined statue is a metaphor for political power.
“Half sunk”
Metaphor.
This describes the statue. The ruined statue is a metaphor for political power.
“Shattered visage”
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.
“Sneer of cold command”
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”.
“My name is Ozymandias, king of kings…”
“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.
“Nothing besides remains. Round the decay…”
“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.
Key comparisons-power of nature vs power of humans
Storm on the Island.
Exposure.
The Prelude.
Tissue.
Key Comparisons-Powerful individuals, misuse of power and corruption
My Last Duchess.
London.
