Ozymandias

• What do the "trunkless legs" signify in Ozymandias?


  Lack of connection between body and brain
• How does the juxtaposition of "vast" and "trunkless" affect the theme?


  It highlights Ozymandias's powerlessness
• What does the sense of lifelessness symbolize in the poem?


  Power of nature over man
• What does "Shattered Visage" convey about Ozymandias's identity?


  Loss of identity despite his attempts at immortality
• What does the sibilance in the poem represent?


  Passing of time and degraded power
• What does Ozymandias declare about himself in the poem?


  He is "king of kings"
• What does Ozymandias's need to draw attention to himself indicate?

  His lack of true power and arrogance
• How does the couplet structure relate to Ozymandias's character?


  It shows his arrogance and disregard for rules
• What does "king of kings" suggest about Ozymandias's self-view?


  He sees himself as god-like and powerful
• How does the poem link to Freud's concept of the id persona?


  Ozymandias is a slave to his pride and desires
• What is the main moral message of the poem?


  Human power is transient compared to nature
• What is the structure of the poem Ozymandias?


  • Sonnet form
  • Blend of Petrarchan and Shakespearean rhyme
  • Uses iambic pentameter
  • Mocking excessive hubris of Ozymandias
• Who is the historical figure that inspired Ozymandias?

  Pharaoh Ramesses II
• What does Shelley criticize in the poem?

  The concept of monarchy and oppression
• What does the imperative verb "despair" reveal about Ozymandias's perspective?


  He believes he commands respect after death
• How does the phrase "sneer of cold command" characterize Ozymandias?


  It portrays him as self-important and harsh
• What does the contrast between "cold command" and "warm desert" signify?


  Nature ultimately overcomes human arrogance
• What do the "lone and level sands" symbolize in the poem?


  The futility of human power against nature
• How does the sand symbolize time in the poem?


  It conceals Ozymandias's reputation over time
• What are the comparisons between Ozymandias and London?


  • Ozymandias: tyrannical leader oppressing people
  • London: establishment abusing power over society
  • Ozymandias: focuses on one ruler's tyranny
  • London: blames institutions for suffering
• How does Ozymandias's tyranny differ from the themes in London?


  Ozymandias represents individual tyranny, London institutional corruption