Analyzing Ozymandias by Percy Bysshe Shelley

Ozymandias

Overview

• "Ozymandias" is a sonnet written by Percy Bysshe Shelley in 1818
• The poem explores the themes of war, power, decay, and the fleeting nature of human achievement

Structure and Imagery

• The poem consists of 14 lines, divided into four quatrains and a final couplet
• Shelley employs rich imagery to describe the ruins of a long-forgotten civilization
• The poem's central image is a massive stone statue of the long-forgotten king Ozymandias, with an inscription boasting of his power and greatness

Themes

• The transience of human achievement: Despite Ozymandias' boasts, his empire has crumbled, and his statue lies shattered in the desert
• The futility of war and conquest: The poem suggests that even the greatest civilizations will eventually fall, leaving nothing but ruins

Symbolism

• The statue of Ozymandias: Represents the decline and fall of mighty empires
• The inscription on the pedestal: Symbolizes the arrogance and hubris of those who seek to immortalize themselves through conquest and power
• The desert surroundings: Emphasizes the desolation and decay that follows the collapse of a civilization

Historical Context

• The poem was written during a time of great upheaval in Europe, following the Napoleonic Wars
• Shelley was influenced by the decline of ancient empires, such as Greece and Rome, and the rise and fall of Napoleon's empire

Ozymandias by Percy Bysshe Shelley

Overview

• Percy Bysshe Shelley wrote the sonnet "Ozymandias" in 1818
• The poem explores war, power, decay, and the fleeting nature of human achievement

Poem Structure

• 14 lines, divided into four quatrains and a final couplet
• Rich imagery describes the ruins of a long-forgotten civilization

Themes

• The transience of human achievement: Ozymandias' empire has crumbled despite his boasts
• The futility of war and conquest: even the greatest civilizations will eventually fall, leaving nothing but ruins

Symbolism

• The statue of Ozymandias: represents the decline and fall of mighty empires
• The inscription on the pedestal: symbolizes arrogance and hubris of those seeking to immortalize themselves
• The desert surroundings: emphasizes desolation and decay after a civilization's collapse

Historical Context

• Written during the upheaval in Europe following the Napoleonic Wars
• Shelley was influenced by the decline of ancient empires (Greece and Rome) and the rise and fall of Napoleon's empire