Ozymandias (Shelley)

Question 1

Title significance?

Answer 1

Ozymandias
- only thing left is his title
- irony
- his true name (George III) not even there
- tries to impose power through his title, evidently doesnt work.

Question 2

“T v a t l o s” + suggests?

Answer 2

“Two vast and trunkless legs of stone”
- the imagery of the broken statue , with its “vast and trunkless legs”, serves as a powerful symbol of the ravages (destructive effects) of time and the ultimate decay of even the mightiest of human creations.
- the adjective ‘vast’ suggeste the once-imposing nature of the statue, while “trunkless” emphasises its current state of ruin and incompleteness. (Contrast)
- this vivid description sets the stage for the poem’s message on the transcience (temporariness) of human power and hollowness of human ambition in the face of time’s relentless march (in contrast to nature - human power is nothing)

Question 3

“H s, a s v L” + suggets

Answer 3

“Half sunk, a shattered visage lies”
- the description of the ‘shattered visage’ that is ‘half sunk’ in the sand offers a vivid picture of the fallen statue of Ozymandias, once a mighty ruler, now reduced to ruins (transcience of power).
- the phrase ‘half sunk’ suggests the gradual but inexorable (inevitable/ impossible to stop or prevent) process of being swallowed by the desert, a metaphor for the way in which time/nature erodes even the greatest of human achievements.
- the ‘shattered visage’ is a powerful symbol of the fragmentation and destruction of Ozymandias’ legacy, with the sibilance of the “s” sounds creating a sense of the statue’s silent, sorrowful, inevitable demise.
- this imagery reinforces the poem’ central theme of the impermanence (transcience) of power and the ultimate futility (purposelessness) of seeking to immortalise oneself through grand monuments or displays of might (shattered being unrecognisable)

Question 4

”s o c c” + suggests?

Answer 4

“Sneer of cold command”
- offers a chilling insight into the character of Ozymandias (arrogant, self-centred), the ancient King whose ruined statue is the central image of the poem.
- the word “sneer” suggest a sense of arrogance, contempt, and cruelty, while “cold command” implies a ruthless, unfeeling exercise of power.
- the sharp alliteration of the “c” sounds emphasise the harness and severity of Ozymandias’ rule - this description paints a picture of a tyrant who governed through fear and intimidation rather than compassion or wisdom. (Also emphasised by the form - sonnet (14 lines) - normally a love poem, however Ozymandias definitely showed no love to the people of his society)
- The enduring presence of this “sneer” on the face of the ruin statue serves as a haunting reminder of the nature of Ozymandias’ reign, even as the rest of his empire had crumbled to dust and surrounded by nothing but “sand”.
- This detail contributes to the poems, exploration of the nature of power and the often cruel and arrogant character of those who wield it.

Question 5

” ‘M n i O, k o k:
L o m w, y M a d!’ “

Answer 5

‘My name is Ozymandias, king of kings:
Look on my works, ye Mighty and despair!’
- the phrase ‘king of kings’, used to describe Ozymandias, is a grandiose (impressive) title that suggests the ruler’s supreme power and his dominion over other monarchs.
- ^ However, in the context of the poem, with the once-mighty king’s statue now lying broken in the desert, this phrase takes on a deeply ironic tone.
- the repitition of the word “king” only serves to heighten the contrast between Ozymandias’ past glory and his present state of decay, undermining the notion of eternal power that the title implies.
- This irony is central to the poem’s theme of the ultimately fleeting nature of human power and the folly (foolishness) of those who believe their reign will endure/last forever.
- the use of this phrase also highlights the arrogance and self-aggrandizement of Ozymandias, traits which the poem suggests are common among those who hold positions of geat authority.
- “Look on my works” - ironic as there is nothing from his reign left, but sand (nature), no “works”, imperative to “look” but nothing there

Question 6

“c w, b a b’ + suggests.

Answer 6

“collosal wreck, boundless and bare”
- the phrase “collosal wreck, boundless and bare” encapsulates the central irony of the poem, juxtaposing the grandeur (impressiveness) of the word “collosal” with the decay and ruin implied by “wreck”.
- this contrast highlights the inevitable decline of even the mightiest human creations when faced with the relentless passage of time.
- the adjectives “boundless and bare” emphasise the vast, empty expanse of the desert surrounding the fallen statue, creating a sense of desolation and emphasising the statue’s isolation and irrelevance in the present day.
- the alliteration of the “b” sounds in “boundless and bare” creates a sense of echoing emptiness, reinforcing the theme of the ultimate transcience (temporariness) of human power.
- this vivid imagery drives home the poem’s message about the foolishness of seeking immortality through earthly power and the inescapable nature of change and decay.

Question 7

Significance of the form of this poem?

Answer 7

Sonnet (14 lines) - usually a sonnet is a love poem, however this is ironic as Ozymandias did not love his people.
3 voices (Ozymandias irrelevance)
Ozymandias only gets 2 lines in the whole poem - transcience of human power
Sentences get shorter nearer the end of the poem - idea of time running out (like a SAND timer)