Ozymandias

• The structure of Ozymandias is a sonnet, it has 14 lines and 10 syllables. This is known as iambic pentameter.
• Ozymandias

  Another name for the ancient Egyptian Pharaoh Ramses II, a successful warrior and builder who was considered one of the most powerful Pharaohs of Ancient Egypt
• Shelley

  • A Romantic poet who published Ozymandias in 1818
  • Radical politically and disapproved of the British monarchy
• You could argue that this poem is a criticism of wielding power in an undemocratic way and ruling as a tyrant
• Ozymandias

  The poem delivers a powerful message about the ephemeral (temporary) nature of power. It also highlights the insignificance of humans compared to nature and time.
• Arrogance of rulers

  • Shelley points out the arrogance of Ramses and other leaders, whose power has led to pride and the mistreatment of others
  • The sculptor satirises (uses humour or irony to criticise) Ozymandias, shown by the phrase, "the hand that mocked them…"
• Power of art

  By describing how nothing remains of Ozymandias but a work of art (statue) and collection of words (inscription), Shelley suggests that art, language and literature are far more enduring (lasting) than human power
• There is a certain timelessness to the poem
• Ephemeral (Human) Power

  Power that is temporary
• Ozymandias' power

  • Comes to an end
  • Reflects Shelley's overarching message that human power is ephemeral
• Ruined statue metaphor

  The ruined statue is a metaphor for political power
• Just as the face of the statue is "shattered", "decay[ed]" and a "wreck"

  So too is Ozymandias' power
• The caesura after "remains" in line 12

  Highlights how Ozymandias' power has come to an end
• Negative Portrayal of Ozymandias

  Shelley portrays Ozymandias negatively to show his dislike for corrupt rulers and the abuse of power
• The negative language

  Reflects the poet's own feelings towards the king and those who rule in a cruel manner
• The alliteration of the harsh 'c' and 'b' sound in "cold command" and "boundless and bare"


  Contributes to the speaker's distaste towards Ozymandias
• Ozymandias

  Represents corrupt rulers and the misuse of power
• Ozymandias is characterised as

  • Arrogant
  • Proud
  • Boastful
• Imperative language

  The imperative verb "look" indicates how controlling the king was
• Repetition

  The repetition of "king" in "king of kings" shows how Ozymandias wished to portray himself as omnipotent (all-powerful)
• The repetition of "king"

  Suggests he is trying to deify himself (make himself a god) and wants to be worshipped as one
• Quotes that link to political power:

  • "Vast and trunkless legs of stone“ — This describes the statue. The ruined statue is a metaphor for political power.
  • "Half sunk" —This describes the statue. The ruined statue is a metaphor for political power.
  • “Shattered visage” — A metaphor for political power. Just as the face if the statue is “shattered”, “decay[ed]” and “wrecked”, so is Ozymandias’ power.