Poems-Ozymandias

Question 1

“Vast and Trunkless legs of stone”

Answer 1

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

Question 2

“Shattered Visage”

Answer 2

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 3

“My name is Ozymandias, king of kings…”

Answer 3

“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.
This shows he portrays himself as higher than anyone else.

Question 4

“Nothing besides remains. Round the decay…”

Answer 4

“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 5

Comparisons-Misuse of Power

Answer 5

My Last Duchess
London

Question 6

Comparisons-Power of Nature Vs. Power of Humans

Answer 6

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