Ozymandias - Percy Shelley

What does “Ozyamandias” infer?

Greek name of Ramesses II of Egypt. One word title narrows the focus on the person

Context

Written in 1817 during the Romantic period. Inspired by the discovery of Ramesses II in Egypt, which was being brought to Britain. Reflects romantic themes : nature‘s power, human morality and the futility of pride and power. Suggests that all empires fall and time erases achievements

Structure

Sonnet - typically about love, possibly about Ozymandias’ love for himself or love for nature. Irregular rhyme scheme - symbolises a lack of control, power and life is ephemeral

Themes/Comparisons

Power of humans (My Last Duchess), power of nature (The Prelude)

“Half sunk, a shattered visage lies”

Metaphor. Shows power always takes over and “shattered” exposes the idea that the power was obliterated

“Sneer of cold command”

Harsh alliteration, reflects his harsh style of ruling. Looks down on his community

“Of that colossal wreck”

“wreck” - unidentifiable, represents the insignificance of the statue. Nature has won

“The hand that mocked them and the heart that fed”

Juxtaposition, suggests that the ruler was both feared and respected and could highlight the tension between power and compassion. The verb “mocked” can have two different meanings. Ozymandias could of been a cruel ruler or the sculptor captured the ruler’s arrogance