Ozymandias by Percy Shelley Context

Question 1

Of which group of poets was Shelley of?

Answer 1

Percy Shelley was one of a group of poets known as The Romantics

Question 2

3 facts about Shelley’s life?

Answer 2

1) expelled from university after writing about atheism wrote a paper arguing against the existence of God, father disinherited him
2) moved to the Lake District where he wrote
3) well known as a radical( for political and social views)and some people think this side of his character is reflective in Ozymandias.. even though its about remains of a statue, could be criticism of people or systems that become huge and believe in invincibilty

Question 3

What was ROMANTICISM

Answer 3

• movement which had a huge influence on art and literature during the late 1700’s and early 1800’s
• emotion rather than reason
• particularly focussed on the power of nature

Question 4

Why did Shelley have a dislike for monarchies?

Answer 4

He didn’t like the idea of DOMINANCE and power and OPPRESSION of ordinary people.

Radical political views, inspired by events of French Revolution where monarchy was overthrown.

He believed in protest, but non violent

Question 5

Context of when he wrote Ozymandias…

Answer 5

Wrote during the reign of king george 3rd

involved in a large number of military conflicts around the world
Shelley hated oppressive monarchical governement

felt needed a revolution to overthrow it