ozymandias

• What does the poem "Ozymandias" concern?

  Discovery of a decaying statue of Ramesses II
• What theme does the poem "Ozymandias" illustrate?

  Power deteriorates and does not last forever
• What is the significance of the statue's condition in "Ozymandias"?

  • The statue is falling apart and decaying
  • Represents the impermanence of power
  • Highlights the irony of Ozymandias' arrogance
• How does the sculptor portray the king in the statue?

  By depicting the king's cruelty
• What does the king's pedestal claim about him?

  He was "king of kings," showing arrogance
• What is ironic about the statue's location?

  It is surrounded by endless featureless desert
• Who is Percy Shelley?

  A radical romantic poet
• What were some of Shelley's beliefs?

  He was anti-monarchy and a pacifist
• Why was Shelley expelled from Oxford University?

  For publishing an atheist pamphlet
• What does the Romantic Era emphasize?

  Subjective and emotional experiences
• What are the characteristics of Romantic literature?

  • Focus on nature and emotion
  • Rejection of institutions of power
  • Use of poetry to spread political ideas
• Who was Ramesses II?

  An Egyptian pharaoh from 1279-1239 BC
• What historical event is Ramesses II associated with?

  Involved in Moses' exodus
• How does King George III relate to the poem "Ozymandias"?

  He is seen as a historical tyrant
• What does the decay of Ozymandias' statue symbolize?

  Criticism of morally questionable exploits
• What are the main themes explored in "Ozymandias"?

  • Conflict between man and time
  • The fleeting nature of power
  • The power of art and words
• What does the phrase "king of kings" imply about Ozymandias?

  He viewed himself as superior to all
• What does the "shattered visage" in the poem represent?

  The irony of Ozymandias' perceived greatness
• How does Shelley use the perspective in "Ozymandias"?

  To distance himself from the political message
• What narrative technique does Shelley employ in the poem?

  Reported speech from a traveller
• What is the structure of "Ozymandias"?

  • Irregular rhyme scheme
  • Blends Petrarchan and Shakespearean sonnets
  • Consistent iambic pentameter
• What does the irregular rhyme scheme suggest in "Ozymandias"?

  Lack of power and control of the ruler
• What is iambic pentameter?

  Technique using ten syllables per line
• How does the poem "Ozymandias" reflect on the nature of power?

  It shows that power is transient and fleeting
• How does reported speech affect the poem "Ozymandias"?

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

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

  Fourteen lines with Octet-Volta-Sestet.
• What is the rhyme scheme of "Ozymandias" closer to?

  ABAB CDCD EFEF GG.
• What is iambic pentameter?

  Ten syllables with da-DA sound pairs.
• How does the irregular rhyme scheme affect the sonnet form in "Ozymandias"?


  It implies poetry can defy tradition.
• What literary attitude is characteristic of romantic poets like Shelley?

  • Defying old ideas of rhythm and meter
  • Challenging traditional conventions
  • Emphasizing individual expression
• What does Shelley suggest by focusing on the statue in "Ozymandias"?

  It symbolizes love and respect for power.
• What does alliteration in "Ozymandias" demonstrate?

  The vast power of the desert.
• How does the statue in "Ozymandias" represent human power?

  It attempts to evade death and cement legacy.
• What does the phrase "colossal wreck" imply about the statue?

  It shows the insignificance of human power.
• What does the alliteration "boundless and bare" convey in the poem?

  Vastness and power of nature.
• How does consonance reflect the king's character in "Ozymandias"?

  It portrays him as callous and oppressive.
• What does Shelley criticize through the king's portrayal in "Ozymandias"?

  Military campaigns and lack of empathy.
• What does the shattered visage symbolize in "Ozymandias"?

  Irony of the king's lost power.