Ozymandias is the Greek name for Ramesses II, an Egyptian pharaoh who ruled from 1279 to 1213 BCE.
Shelley wrote "Ozymandias" while he was living in Italy during his exile from England due to his radical political views.
The poem explores themes such as power, decay, and the transience of human achievements.
And on the pedestal, these words appear:
'My name is Ozymandias, king of kings;
The poem explores themes such as power, decay, time, and the fleeting nature of human achievements.
The speaker describes how they came across the ruins of a statue of Ozymandias, which had once been grand but now lay shattered on the ground.
The speaker describes how they came across the ruins of a statue of Ozymandias, which had been destroyed by time and nature.
The statue's once-mighty features have crumbled into nothingness, leaving only fragments behind.
“Shatteredvisage”
“Two vast and trunkless legs”
”sneer ofcold command”
“From an antique land”
"Nothing beside remains"
The poem explores themes such as the fleeting nature of human achievements, the inevitability of decay and destruction, and the importance of humility and perspective.
The poem highlights the idea that even great empires eventually crumble and fade away into history.
It also suggests that true power lies not in material possessions or physical strength, but rather in wisdom, compassion, and humility.
Ozymandias is a metaphorical representation of all powerful leaders who believe their power will last forever but ultimately face decline and ruin.
The poem also touches on the theme of hubris or excessive pride, which can lead to downfall and failure.