ozymandias

Cards (9)

  • form:
    the poem is a sonnet with a turning point - volta - however it doesnt follow the regular structure of a sonnet rhyme scheme, perhaps reflecting the way human power and structures can be destroyed. it uses iambic pentameter but this is also disrupted. the story is a second hand account which distances the reader even further from the dead king
  • structure:
    the narrator builds up an image of the statue by focusing on different parts of it in turn.the poem ends bu describing the enormous dessert which helps to sum up the insignificance of the statue.
  • irony:

    Theres nothing left to show for the rulers arrogant boasting or his great civilization. the ruined statue can be seen as a symbol for the temporary nature of political power or human achievement. shelleys use of irony reflects his hatred if oppression and his belief that it is possible to overturn social and political order
  • language of power:

    the poem focuses on the power of ozy,andias representing human power however his power has been lost and is only visible dua to the power of art. ultimately nature had ruined the statue showing nature and time have more power than anything else.
  • angry language:
    the tyranny of the ruler is suggested through the aggressive language
  • pride:

    the ruler was proud of what hes achieved he called on other rulers to admire what he did
  • arrogance:

    the inscription shows us that the ruler believed that he was the most powerful in the land- nobody else could compete with him . he also thought he was better than those he ruled
  • power:

    human civilisations and achievements are insignificant compared to the passing of time art has the power to preserve elements of human existence but it is also temporary.
  • shelley frames the poem as a narrative to make it clear that the narrator hasn't ever seen the statue himself this emphasis how unimportant ozymandias is now.