Ozymandias

• What is the main subject of the poem "Ozymandias" by Percy Shelley?

  The discovery of a semi-destroyed statue of Ramesses II and the theme of the impermanence of power.
• What does the statue of Ozymandias symbolize in the poem?

  • The deterioration of power
  • The idea that power does not last forever
  • The irony of a once-great ruler now forgotten
• Who is the king referred to as Ozymandias in the poem?

  Ramesses II, an Egyptian pharaoh.
• What does the pedestal of the statue claim about Ozymandias?

  It claims he was "king of kings," showcasing his arrogance.
• What is ironic about the claims made on Ozymandias' pedestal?

  The irony lies in the fact that the statue is surrounded by a vast, empty desert, contrasting with his claims of greatness.
• What are some characteristics of Percy Shelley as a poet?

  He was a radical, romantic poet, vegetarian, anti-monarchy, pacifist, and supported social justice.
• What historical event inspired Percy Shelley in his writings?

  The French Revolution, which inspired his views on social justice and the oppression of ordinary people.
• Why was Percy Shelley expelled from Oxford University?

  For publishing an atheist pamphlet and delivering it to religious figures.
• How did the Romantic Era differ from the Enlightenment in terms of literary focus?

  The Romantic Era focused on subjective emotions and the beauty of nature, contrasting with the Enlightenment's emphasis on reason and simplicity.

  
• What were the key themes of the Romantic Era in literature?

  • Subjectivity and emotional depth
  • Rejection of institutions of power
  • Use of poetry to spread political messages
  • Appreciation of nature and the sublime

  
• Who was Ramesses II and what is he known for?

  He was an Egyptian pharaoh known for his tyranny, military exploits, and a large empire.
• How does King George III relate to the poem "Ozymandias"?

  He is seen as a historical tyrant, paralleling the themes of power and conflict in the poem.
• What does the decay of Ozymandias' statue represent in the poem?

  It represents the inevitable decline of power and the eventual forgetfulness of tyrants.
• What are the key elements of the poem's structure?

  • Irregular rhyme scheme
  • Blends Petrarchan and Shakespearean sonnets
  • Consistent use of iambic pentameter

  
• What is the significance of the phrase "king of kings" in the poem?

  It highlights Ozymandias' arrogance and self-perception of power.
• How does the poem convey the theme of memory and time?

  It illustrates how Ozymandias' memory has faded despite his belief that it would last forever.
• What does the use of the first-person perspective in the poem imply?

  It creates a sense of detachment and allows Shelley to convey political messages without personal accountability.

  
• What does the phrase "lone and level sands stretch far away" suggest about Ozymandias' legacy?

  It suggests that his legacy is insignificant and forgotten, lost to time.
• How does Shelley use the traveler in the poem?

  As a narrative device to distance himself from the political messages and to present the story of Ozymandias.
• What is the effect of the irregular rhyme scheme in the poem?

  It suggests a lack of power and control of the ruler, contrasting with the order of the single stanza.

  
• What does the term "iambic pentameter" refer to in the context of the poem?

  It refers to a poetic technique where each line has ten syllables with pairs of sounds in a da-DUM pattern.
• How does the imagery of the shattered visage contribute to the poem's themes?

  It creates a sense of irony and highlights the contrast between the king's perceived power and his actual insignificance.

  
• What does the phrase "the hand that mock'd them" imply about the sculptor's intentions?

  It suggests that the sculptor captured the king's cruel nature, possibly unintentionally highlighting his tyranny.
• What does the term "antique land" refer to in the poem?

  It refers to Egypt, suggesting its ancient history and cultural significance.
• How does the poem reflect Shelley's anti-violence stance?

  By criticizing the cruelty of Ozymandias and the consequences of unchecked power.
• What is the significance of the phrase "Look on my works, ye Mighty, and despair!"?

  It reflects Ozymandias' arrogance and the dramatic irony of his belief in his eternal legacy, which has crumbled.

  
• What does the imagery of "boundless and bare" suggest about the setting of the statue?

  It emphasizes the emptiness and desolation surrounding the statue, highlighting its insignificance.
• What does the term "colossal wreck" refer to in the poem?

  It refers to the ruined statue of Ozymandias, symbolizing the decay of his power.
• How does the poem's structure contribute to its overall message?

  The irregular rhyme scheme and blending of sonnet forms reflect the transient nature of power and the evolution of literary conventions.

  
• What does the use of reported speech in the poem achieve?

  It trivializes the reign of Ozymandias and allows Shelley to express political views without direct attribution.

  
• How does reported speech affect the portrayal of Ozymandias in the poem?

  It serves to trivialise the reign of Ozymandias.
• What is the significance of the irregular rhyme scheme in the poem?

  • Contrasts with the single stanza
  • Suggests lack of power and control of the ruler
  • Reflects differing views on war and conflict

  
• What types of sonnets does the poem blend?

  Petrarchan and Shakespearean sonnets.
• What does Shelley demonstrate by blending Petrarchan and Shakespearean sonnets?

  That all power, including literary conventions, is transient and subject to evolution.
• What is the structure of a Petrarchan sonnet?

  • Traditional fourteen lines
  • Octet-Volta-Sestet structure
• How does the irregular rhyme scheme relate to Shakespearean sonnets?

  It is closer to the rhyme scheme ABAB CDCD EFEF GG.
• What is iambic pentameter?

  A technique where the poet uses ten syllables in each line with pairs of sounds going da-DA.
• How does Shelley use the irregular rhyme scheme in the poem?

  • Breaks away from the sonnet form
  • Implies poetry can defy tradition
  • Demonstrates that conventions can be changed

  
• What literary attitude is characteristic of romantic poets like Shelley?


  They focused on defying old ideas, including rhythm, religion, meter, and monarchy.
• How does Shelley use the statue in the poem?

  As a focus that could symbolize love and respect, while also disguising political messages.