ozymandias

• almost a petrachan sonnet, however slightly subverts it. this can be read as defying the expectations and traditions of systems or people in power.
• this poem can be read as a criticism of systems or people who see themselves as bigger than they are, and believe themselves to be invincible.
• the poem is told in a 'traveler's tale' mode. the narrator is retelling the story and the poem mainly consists of quotations. this shows that Shelley emphasises oral over written.

  'I met a traveller from and antique land who said'
• the word 'antique' could refer to Ozymandias' power. also suggests something interesting is about to happen and hooks the reader in.
• 'trunkless legs' suggest a lack of body and, therefore a lack of heart, which could signify the lack of connection between his body and brain, showing he had no intellect.
• 'antique' suggests that is now forgotten and only had power for a brief amount of time. this highlights the transcience and tyranny of great leaders.
• there is a semantic field of corrosion throughout the poem, showing how power deteriorates and does not last forever - nature's power is outlasting.

  'the decay of that colossal wreck'

  'remains'

  'wrinkled'
• the sibilance in 'on the sand, half sunk, a shattered visage lies' represents the wind over the sand dunes and creates a more visual image in the reader's mind.
• 'half sunk' shows how only half of his face is shown which suggests the duality of human nature.
• 'shattered' is a sharp and strong adjective that could represent Ozymandias' cruel and bitter personality.
• 'tell that its sculptor well those passions read' is ironic as Ozymandias was desperate to be remembered, but the sculptor is praised instead for making the statue.
• in 'tell that its sculptor well those passions read', the hard 'c's and long vowels imitate the harsh sound of someone giving orders.
• the 'sneer of cold command' is ironic, as that sneering face used to look down on everyone, he is now broken and being looked down on.
• his 'sneer of cold command' contrasts with the heat of the desert and draws attention to his haughtiness.
• in 'tell that its sculptor well those passions read', the sculptor depicts the overwhelming fear struck into people by Ozymandias' frown and sense of command.
• in 'tell that its sculptor well those passions read', this symbolises the romantic era idea of how humans are ephemeral but art is forever.
• 'stamped' is a form of branding and suggests the mark that Ozymandias tried to leave behind.
• 'pedestal' shows that he has an elevated vision of himself
• in 'the hand that mocked them and the heart that fed', the heart represents emotion and the hand is mechanical. the idea of imbalance shows how Ozymandias abused his power.
• The poem can also be seen as a commentary on the transience of human life and the inevitability of decay and destruction.
• The speaker describes the statue as "shattered" and "fallen", emphasizing the fragility and impermanence of even the most grandiose achievements.
• Ozymandias' arrogance and hubris ultimately led to his downfall, highlighting the dangers of unchecked ambition and the importance of humility.
• 'that colossal wreck' can be taken literally as the ruins of the statue, however can also be interpreted as the wreck of civilisation - his kingdom has been reduced to nothing. this reinforces the idea that nature dominates and endures.
• 'nothing beside remains' acts as a conclusion, it highlights the myth of permanence, that even the most imposing building or monument will fall. this can be reflecting how all great, powerful leaders will eventually fall.
• 'nothing beside remains' is a striking juxtaposition compared to the previous line and is very anti-climatic. it forces the reader to pause and slows the pace of the poem down.
• 'lone and level sands' shows that no matter rich, powerful or famous you are, we are all equal in death.
• 'my name is Ozymandias, king of kings: look on my works, ye mighty, and despair!' is the volta of the poem. it is a bold statement and an exotic name. it is a departure from regular iambic pentameter. 'king of kings' is biblical imagery, so he is setting himself up as a God. this could be mocking as shelley is an atheist. archaic terms such as 'ye' distance the reader.
• 'look on my works, ye mighty, and despair!' can be interpreted in 2 different ways:

  • Ozymandias' way to inspire dread and awe
  • ironically, as he is now a broken statue in the desert. his 'works' are nowhere to be seen
• in 'the lone and level sands stretch far away', the presence of sand links to the persistence of time and ultimately the power of nature.