Ozymandias Quotes and Ideas Flashcards
The sculptor could see the cruelty/meanness in Ozymandias’ face and chiselled it into the statue (SHOWS HIS ARROGANCE). Furthermore, the alliteration of the sound ‘c’ gives off the sour and bitter attitude he portrays himself with.
“Whose frown and wrinkled lip and sneer of cold command,”
Ozymandias is so arrogant and cocky, he thinks he is above everyone, including God (hubris).
“Look upon my works, ye Mighty, and despair!”
Shelley uses imagery to get the point that nothing of Ozymandias’ is left. And even if it is, it’s in thousands of pieces.
“colossal wreck”
Shelley uses the letter “b” and uses repetition in the sound as plosive wording to emphasise the vastness and sheer power of this otherwise desolate desert.
“boundless and bare”
The structure has been abandoned and unwanted. Additionally, this phrase can also suggest that human achievements are nothing compared to time as it’ll just wither away.
“Nothing besides remains.”
Despite being being a massive creation, it is left incomplete.
“Two vast and trunkless legs of stone”
The broken figure’s face lays buried; the face has been deteriorating (breaking) and being covered with sand through time.
“Half sunk, a shattered visage lies”
