Ozymandias

• What is the main subject of the poem "Ozymandias" by Percy Shelley?

  The discovery of a decaying statue of Ramesses II
• What theme does the poem "Ozymandias" convey about power?

  Power deteriorates and does not last forever
• What are the key elements of the poem's synopsis?

  • Report from a stranger about a statue in a desert
  • Statue is falling apart and decaying
  • Sculptor portrays the cruelty of the king
  • King's pedestal claims he was "king of kings"
  • Irony of claims amidst endless desert
• Who is the poet of "Ozymandias"?

  Percy Shelley
• What are some characteristics of Percy Shelley as a poet?

  He was a radical, romantic poet who supported social justice
• What significant event led to Shelley being expelled from Oxford University?

  Publishing an atheist pamphlet
• How did Shelley view the French Revolution?

  He was inspired by it and wanted to end oppression
• What are the main characteristics of the Romantic Era in literature?

  • Focus on subjective and emotional experiences
  • Appreciation of nature and the sublime
  • Rejection of institutions of power
  • Poetry as a means to spread political ideas
• Who was Ramesses II?

  An Egyptian pharaoh from 1279-1239 BC
• What historical context influenced the poem "Ozymandias"?

  Ramesses II's tyranny and military exploits
• How does King George III relate to the poem "Ozymandias"?

  He is seen as a historical tyrant, paralleling Ozymandias
• What is the significance of the statue's decay in "Ozymandias"?

  • Reflects the impermanence of power
  • Illustrates the futility of tyranny
  • Symbolizes how impressive exploits are forgotten
• What does the phrase "king of kings" imply about Ozymandias' character?

  It shows his arrogance and inflated self-image
• What does the "shattered visage" in the poem symbolize?

  The irony of a once-powerful king now forgotten
• How does Shelley portray the sculptor's intentions in the poem?

  The sculptor captures the king's cruelty despite intending to please him
• What is the structure of the poem "Ozymandias"?

  • Irregular rhyme scheme
  • Blends Petrarchan and Shakespearean sonnets
  • Consistent iambic pentameter
• What does the phrase "Look on my works, ye Mighty, and despair!" signify?

  Ozymandias' pride and expectation of lasting legacy
• What does the "lone and level sands stretch far away" suggest about Ozymandias' legacy?

  His legacy is insignificant and forgotten
• How does the poem's first-person perspective affect its message?

  It distances Shelley from the political message, presenting it as a stranger's view
• What is the effect of using reported speech in the poem?

  It trivializes the reign of Ozymandias
• What literary technique is used in the phrase "the hand that mock'd them"?

  It suggests the sculptor's critique of the king
• How does the poem "Ozymandias" reflect the Romantic Era's values?

  It emphasizes emotion, nature, and critiques of power
• What does the irregular rhyme scheme in "Ozymandias" suggest about the ruler's power?

  It suggests a lack of power and control
• What does the term "iambic pentameter" refer to in the poem's structure?

  A technique using ten syllables in each line with pairs of sounds
• What is the significance of the title "Ozymandias"?

  It refers to the Egyptian pharaoh Ramesses II
• How does the poem illustrate the conflict between man and time?

  It shows how Ozymandias is forgotten despite his desire for immortality
• What does the phrase "boundless and bare" imply about the setting of the statue?

  It emphasizes the emptiness and insignificance of Ozymandias' legacy
• How does reported speech affect the portrayal of Ozymandias in the poem?

  It trivializes the reign of Ozymandias.
• What does the irregular rhyme scheme in the poem suggest about the ruler's power?

  • It suggests a lack of power and control.
  • Contrasts with the single stanza, which suggests order.
  • Reflects differing views on war and conflict.
• What types of sonnets does Shelley blend in the poem?

  Petrarchan and Shakespearean sonnets.
• What is the structure of the Petrarchan sonnet used in the poem?

  • Traditional fourteen lines.
  • Octet-Volta-Sestet structure.
• What rhyme scheme is closer to Shakespearean sonnets in the poem?

  ABAB CDCD EFEF GG.
• What is iambic pentameter?

  A technique using ten syllables in each line with pairs of sounds.
• How does the irregular rhyme scheme contribute to the poem's message?

  • It breaks away from sonnet form.
  • Implies poetry can defy tradition.
  • Demonstrates that conventions can be changed.
• What do romantic poets focus on in their work?

  Defying old ideas, including rhythm and monarchy.
• How does Shelley use the statue in the poem?

  • Focuses on the power of nature.
  • Represents human power and its limitations.
  • Disguises political messages.
• What does alliteration demonstrate in Shelley's poem?

  The vast, unending power of the desert.
• How is the statue described in relation to human power?

  It represents a king's attempt to evade death.
• What does the alliteration in "boundless and bare" convey?

  • The vast extent of nature.
  • Nature's ability to outlive human power.
  • The monotony of the desert landscape.
• What does consonance reflect about the king's rule?

  It reflects the callous lack of compassion he had for his subjects.