Themes

• What quote shows that the power of nature is eternal?

  "lone and level sands stretch far away"
• What technique is used in the quote "lone and level sands stretch far away"?

  The alliteration emphasises the feeling of empty space in the surrounding desert. A desert is naturally vast and survives for a long period of time but in comparison, Ozymandias' statue that was more intimidating than nature deteriorated and broke. This emphasises the insignificance of Ozymandias' statue as the power of nature remains eternal.
• What are the three main themes of Ozymandias?

  Power of Humans

  Power of Nature

  Negative emotions of pride
• What quote from Ozymandias shows that the power of humans is abnormal?

  "the hand that mock'd them"
• Analyse the quote "the hand that mock'd them" to show that power of humans is abnormal.

  The verb "mock" connotes to both ridicule and imitation, suggesting that the power of humans is not only oppossed but also unnatural and sustained artificially. The idea of imitations emphasise that human authority is a reproduction, not an organic force, leading it to apper out of place in the natural world.

  Furthermore, the verb "mock" can imply to deliberate crafting or a voluntary creation clearly indicating that human power manufactured, not innate. The construction of power highlights its fragility as it soley relies on an intimidating image to create fear and maintain control.

  Shelley exposes how such power is performative and dependent on perception, rather than rooted in authentic, enduring strength - making it abnormal and destined to decay.
• What quote shows that the negative emotion of pride is meaningless in the face of time?

  "Might and despair"
• What techniques are in the quote "Might and despair" and how does it show that the emotion of pride is meaningless in the face of time?

  The dramatic irony shows that Ozyamandias expects his empire and kingdom to survive in order to overwhelm other rulers. However, the irony undermines his pride to expose it as misplaced and utter delusion as his statue is in a shattered state in an empty desert. The contrast between the king's confident tone and the reality of decay shows how time strips awy all human achievements making the most poerful ruler's pride completely forgotton and pointless.