Ozymandias by Shelley: Study Notes

What is the main theme explored in Shelley's 'Ozymandias'?

What is the structure of 'Ozymandias'?

Who is the subject of the poem 'Ozymandias'?

With whom did Percy Shelley compete to write 'Ozymandias'?

In what year was 'Ozymandias' published?

What is the significance of the phrase 'Look on my Works, ye Mighty, and despair!'?

What do the 'vast and trunkless legs of stone' symbolize in the poem?

Which of the following best describes the tone of 'Ozymandias'?

What is the primary theme of 'Ozymandias' as illustrated in the poem?

How does Shelley emphasize the power of nature in 'Ozymandias'?

What artistic technique does Shelley employ in 'Ozymandias' to unify the poem?

What do the 'trunkless legs' of the statue symbolize in the poem?

How does Shelley contrast art and imperial power in 'Ozymandias'?

What significance does the inscription on the statue's pedestal carry?

What literary form does 'Ozymandias' utilize, and how does it affect its meaning?

"Ozymandias" by Shelley: Study Notes

Poet and Poem: Poem by Romantic poet Percy Bysshe Shelley, published in 1818. A sonnet (14 lines).
Ozymandias' Identity: Ozymandias is a Greek name for Ramses II, an ancient Egyptian king. The poem focuses on the statue of Ozymandias (a common motif during Ramses' reign).
Historical Context: European archaeologists were unearthing Egyptian artifacts, including statues, during Shelley's time. This likely influenced the poem.
Poetic Competition: Shelley wrote "Ozymandias" partly as a competition with his friend Horace Smith. Both created sonnets with the same title.
Poem Summary: The poem describes a traveler encountering a ruined statue of Ozymandias in the desert. The statue's face is damaged, and the inscription on the pedestal proclaims Ozymandias's power ("Look on my Works, ye Mighty, and despair!"). However, the surrounding city is in ruins; only the statue remains.
Themes:
- Impermanence of empires: The poem highlights how even powerful empires eventually decline and fall. Ozymandias’ grandeur is contrasted with his ruins.
- Power of nature: The desert's vastness and unrelenting nature symbolize forces beyond human control. The sands overwhelm Ozymandias's creation.
- Timelessness of art: Art (like poetry) potentially outlives empires. Shelley's poem survives long after the empire.
Form and Structure:
- Sonnet Form: The poem adheres to the sonnet's structure of 14 lines and iambic pentameter.
- Rhyme Scheme: ABABA CDC EDE FEF.
- Enjambment: The lines flow into each other, creating a sense of continuity and unity.
Symbolism:
- Ruined Statue: Represents the fading glory of empires and the transience of power.
- Desert and Sands: Represent the relentless passage of time and the indifference of nature to human creations.
- Inscription: Ozymandias's arrogance and his misjudgement of permanence.
Comparison to Horace Smith's Poem: Both poems share similar subjects but vary in their style and focus.

Explore the poignant themes and historical context of Percy Bysshe Shelley's famous sonnet 'Ozymandias.' This study notes guide delves into the poem's narrative about impermanence and the remains of a once-great king. Uncover the poetic competition that inspired Shelley and the archaeological fascination of his era.