Ozymandias

• How does Shelley describe the power of nature using alliteration?

  • He uses alliteration in "boundless and bare", "lone and level"
  • The use of alliteration demonstrates the powerful extent of nature
  • It presents nature as being able to outlive all other forms of power and make them insignificant
• How does Shelley present human power as abusive?

  • Shelley uses consonance to suggest a use of power for military aims
  • The consonance portrays the King as being oppressive and aggressive
  • Ozymandias was Ramesses II, who was known for his military expansion of Egypt
  • This is reflective of Shelley's anti-violence stance, as he was against all military exploits and the "cold commands" that start them
• How does Shelley use symbolism to show how human power can be stripped away?

  • The plaque that boasts Ozymandias' work is a barren wasteland
  • The emptiness of the desert is symbolic of how his reign was pointless and insignificant and he has been dwarfed by the greater powers of nature
  • Ozymandias has no legacy despite his orders to "look on my works"
  • This has contextual irony, as Ramesses II had hoped to expand Egypt's influence, but now it's just an "antique land"