Ozymandias - Percy Shelley

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

  The decay of power and its impermanence
• What does the statue of Ozymandias symbolize in the poem?

  • The impermanence of power
  • The arrogance of rulers
  • The inevitable decay of all things
• Who is the statue in the poem "Ozymandias" meant to represent?

  Ramesses II, an Egyptian pharaoh
• What does the pedestal of the statue claim about Ozymandias?

  He was "king of kings" and arrogant
• How does the setting of the desert contribute to the poem's theme?

  It emphasizes the lifelessness and decay of power
• What does the "shatter'd visage" in the poem signify?

  It represents the king's lost power and legacy
• What historical figure is referenced in the poem "Ozymandias"?

  Ramesses II, the Egyptian pharaoh
• How does Shelley view King George III in relation to Ozymandias?

  He sees George III as a tyrant like Ozymandias
• What are the key themes explored in "Ozymandias"?

  • The impermanence of power
  • The arrogance of rulers
  • The conflict between man and time
  • The power of art and words
• What does the phrase "cold command" imply about Ozymandias?

  It suggests his cruel and tyrannical nature
• What does the irony of Ozymandias' pedestal message convey?

  His power is now undeserved and forgotten
• How does the structure of the poem reflect its themes?

  The irregular rhyme scheme suggests lack of control
• What literary techniques does Shelley use in "Ozymandias"?

  • Irony
  • Allegory
  • Imagery
  • Alliteration
• What perspective is the poem "Ozymandias" written from?

  First person, through a traveller's report
• Why does Shelley use a traveller's perspective in the poem?

  To distance himself from the political message
• What does the phrase "lone and level sands stretch far away" suggest?

  Ozymandias' legacy is isolated and forgotten
• How does the poem "Ozymandias" reflect Romantic Era values?

  • Focus on emotion and subjective experience
  • Rejection of institutions of power
  • Use of nature to convey themes
  • Accessibility of political messages through poetry
• What is the significance of the title "Ozymandias"?

  It refers to the Egyptian pharaoh Ramesses II

  
• What does the phrase "king of kings" imply about Ozymandias' self-perception?

  He views himself as the most powerful ruler
• How does the poem critique the idea of legacy?

  It shows that legacies can be forgotten over time
• What is the role of the sculptor in "Ozymandias"?

  • Represents the artist's perspective on power
  • Captures the king's cruelty in the statue
  • Highlights the transient nature of art
• What does the term "antique land" refer to in the poem?

  It refers to Egypt's ancient history
• How does the poem "Ozymandias" reflect on the nature of power?

  It suggests that power is temporary and fleeting
• What does the use of reported speech in the poem achieve?

  It trivializes Ozymandias' reign and legacy
• What contrasts are present in the poem's structure?

  • Irregular rhyme scheme vs. single stanza
  • Lack of control vs. order
  • Different views on war and conflict
• What is the significance of the phrase "boundless and bare"?

  It emphasizes the emptiness surrounding Ozymandias
• How does the poem convey the message about the power of art?

  Art can outlast the power of rulers
• What does the phrase "look on my works, ye Mighty, and despair!" reveal about Ozymandias' character?

  It shows his arrogance and belief in his power
• What is the overall message of the poem "Ozymandias"?

  • Power is temporary and will not last
  • Arrogance leads to downfall
  • Art and words can preserve memory
• How does reported speech affect the poem's presentation of Ozymandias?

  It trivializes the reign of Ozymandias.
• What does the irregular rhyme scheme in the poem suggest?

  • Lack of power and control of the ruler
  • Contrasts with the single stanza suggesting order
  • Reflects differing views on war and conflict
• What types of sonnets does Shelley blend in the poem?

  Petrarchan and Shakespearean sonnets
• What structure does the poem follow?

  Fourteen lines with Octet-Volta-Sestet
• What is iambic pentameter?

  Technique with ten syllables per line
• How does the irregular rhyme scheme relate to tradition in poetry?


  It implies poetry can defy tradition.
• What does Shelley imply by breaking away from the sonnet form?

  Conventions can be changed and edited.
• What is the significance of the statue in the poem?

  • Represents human power and legacy
  • Attempts to evade death and cement history
  • Lies broken, symbolizing the futility of power
• How does alliteration function in the poem?

  It contrasts human power with nature's vastness.
• What does the phrase "colossal wreck" signify in the poem?

  It shows the statue's loss of power.
• What does the phrase "boundless and bare" convey about nature?

  It emphasizes nature's overwhelming power.