Ozymandias

• What quote shows that the power of humans is temporary?

  • quote: "I met a traveller from an antique land"
  • Why?: The speaker discovered Ozymandias' rule orally, second hand by a traveller.
  • Technique: Narrative framing, adjective "antique"
  • What it shows: Just like Ancient Egypt, Ozymandias has lost his intimidating empire, showing that the power of humans is finite.
  • Theme it links to: Power of humans, Pride
  • Poems it links to : My Last Duchess
• Why does Shelley present the power of humans as temporary?

  • Shelley was a Romantic poet who believed nature is more powerful than humans.
  • Ozymandias was written in 1818, inspired by the discovery of Ramesses II's statue.
  • Ramesses was a dictator that was defeated by the 12 tribes of Israel, and forgotten.
  • Shelley used this to show ruler's power fades over time.
• What was Shelley's intent in presenting human power as temporary in the quote "I met traveller from an antique land"?

  • Shelley wanted to criticise arrogant rulers and show how time and nature erode their legacies.
  • The message remains relevant today, as arrogant leaders still exist.
  • In both 1818 and now, the poem serves as a reminder that power is not infinite.
  • It offers a subtle message of hope, that dictatorship fades.