Ozymandias

Power & Conflict

Ozymandias

A sonnet by Percy Bysshe Shelley that explores the inevitable decline of all leaders and empires, depicting a ruined statue of a king in a vast desert.

Ozymandias Context

written by Percy Bysshe Shelley in 1817. It describes the half-buried remnants of a statue of Egyptian pharaoh Ramesses II, and contrasts the pharaoh’s proud words with his ruined likeness. Poem serves as a metaphor for the ephemeral nature of political power and praises the art’s ability to preserve the past

Ozymandias key quotes

“ Two vast and trunkless legs of stone”

“ Half sunk, a shattered visage lies”

“sneer of cold command”

“ king of kings”

“colossal wreck, boundless and bare”

“ Two vast and trunkless legs of stone” analysis 1- imagery

The phrase creates a vivid visual image of a ruined statue, specifically the legs of a statue that once belonged to a grand figure. The use of "vast" suggests both size and grandeur, evoking a sense of awe, while "trunkless" indicates destruction and loss, suggesting that the statue is incomplete and has suffered the ravages of time

“Two vast and trunkless legs of stone” analysis 2- Personification

While there are no explicit human attributes given to inanimate objects in this line, the "vast" quality of the legs could be seen as lending them an imposing presence, as if they still hold some power or significance despite their incomplete state

“ Two vast and trunkless legs of stone” analysis 3- symbolism

The "legs of stone" symbolize the remnants of a once-great civilization and the futility of human pride. They represent the idea that all human achievements are ultimately temporary and subject to decay.

“ Two vast and trunkless legs of stone” analysis 4- juxtaposition

The contrast between "vast" and "trunkless" highlights the disparity between what once was and what remains. It emphasizes the theme of decay and the transitory nature of power and glory

“ Two vast and trunkless legs of stone” analysis 5- alliteration

The repetition of the "t" sound in "two," "trunkless," and "stone" creates a rhythmic quality that enhances the line's memorability and adds to its lyrical quality.

“ Two vast and trunkless legs of stone” analysis 6- ambiguity

The phrase invites interpretation regarding the identity of the statue it describes. It raises questions about who the statue represented and what it stood for, thus engaging the reader in the theme of the impermanence of legacy.

“ Two vast and trunkless legs of stone” analysis 7- theme of hubris

The mention of "vast" suggests a once-mighty ruler or empire, drawing attention to the theme of hubris present in the poem. The broken statue serves as a warning about the dangers of pride and the inevitable decline of all leaders and their achievements

“ Half sunk, a shattered visage lies” analysis 1- imagery

The phrase "on the sand, half sunk" evokes a vivid visual of a desolate landscape where the remnants of a statue are partially buried. This imagery emphasizes the transient nature of human achievements and the passage of time.

“ Half sunk, a shattered visage lies” analysis 2— symbolism

The "shattered visage" symbolizes the broken dreams and the inevitable decline of power and glory. The visage, or face, of the statue represents Ozymandias himself, a once-mighty ruler whose arrogance and pride have been reduced to ruins

“ Half sunk, a shattered visage lies” analysis 3- personification

The phrase "shattered visage" gives human characteristics to the statue, suggesting that it once held a proud and imposing expression. This personification deepens the sense of loss and decay, as the face that once commanded awe is now in fragments

“ Half sunk, a shattered visage lies” analysis 4 - alliteration

The repetition of the 's' sound in "sand" and "shattered" creates a soft, hissing quality that can evoke a sense of desolation and emptiness, reinforcing the theme of decay.

“Half sunk, a shattered visage lies” analysis 5- juxtaposition

The contrast between the grandeur implied by the word "visage" and the reality of its "shattered" state highlights the difference between how Ozymandias wished to be remembered and the reality of his legacy. This juxtaposition underscores the theme of the transience of power.

“ Half sunk, a shattered visage lies” analysis 6- tone

The tone of the line can be interpreted as melancholic and reflective. It invites the reader to contemplate the futility of human ambition and the inevitability of time erasing even the greatest monuments.

“ Half sunk, a shattered visage lies” analysis 7- enjambement

Although this line is a fragment, it can be seen as part of a larger continuum in the poem. The way it flows into the next line captures a sense of motion and continuity, mirroring the passage of time and the gradual erosion of Ozymandias's legacy.

“a wrinkled lip, and sneer of cold command” analysis 1- imagery

The phrase evokes strong visual imagery. "Wrinkled lip" suggests age, decay, and a sense of disdain, while "sneer" conveys contempt. Together, they paint a picture of a ruler who is both powerful and arrogant, highlighting the physical signs of aging and the emotional tone of superiority.

“ a wrinkled lip, and a sneer of cold command” analysis 2 - alliteration

The use of the consonant sound "c" in "cold command" creates a rhythmic quality and emphasizes the harshness of the ruler's demeanor. This alliteration enhances the chilling effect of the ruler's authority.

“a wrinkled lip, and a sneer of cold command” analysis 3- connotations

The words "wrinkled," "sneer," and "cold" carry negative connotations. "Wrinkled" suggests deterioration and the passage of time, "sneer" implies scorn and arrogance, and "cold" conveys a lack of warmth or compassion. Together, these words contribute to a portrait of a tyrant who is both unfeeling and disdainful.

“ a wrinkled lip, and a sneer of cold command” analysis 4- personification

The phrase can be interpreted as personifying the concept of power itself. The "sneer of cold command" suggests that power can have a personality—one that is unyielding and harsh. This emphasizes the theme of the impermanence of power and the inevitable decline that follows.

“ a wrinkled lip, and a sneer of cold command” analysis 5- symbolism

The "wrinkled lip" and "sneer" symbolize the arrogance and hubris of rulers who believe they are immortal and invincible. Ozymandias, the king in the poem, represents the transient nature of power and the folly of pride.

“ a wrinkled lip, and a sneer of cold command” analysis 6- juxtaposition

The contrast between "cold command" and the natural decay implied by "wrinkled" suggests a tension between the ruler's perceived power and the inevitable decline of all things. This juxtaposition underscores the poem's meditation on the fleeting nature of human achievements

“ a wrinkled lip, and a sneer of cold command” analysis 7- tone

The tone of the line is critical and ironic, reflecting Shelley's view of tyranny and the futility of human pride. The description of Ozymandias's features hints at a deeper commentary on the arrogance of those in power, who ultimately face the same fate as everyone else—oblivion.

“ My name is Ozymandias, king of kings: look on my works” analysis 1- allusion

Historical Reference: Ozymandias is another name for Ramses II, an Egyptian pharaoh known for his extensive building projects and military conquests. By referencing Ozymandias, Shelley alludes to the impermanence of power and the inevitable decay of all leaders and empires

“ My name is Ozymandias, king of kings: look on my works” analysis 2- irony

Contradiction of Power and Decay: The phrase "look on my works" is ironic because it invites the observer to witness the grandeur of Ozymandias's empire, yet the reality is that all that remains is a shattered statue in a desolate landscape. This irony emphasizes the transient nature of human achievements and power.

“ My name is Ozymandias, king of kings: look on my works” analysis 3- imagery

Visual Imagery: The line evokes strong visual images of a mighty ruler and his once-great kingdom, contrasted with the desolation of the present. The imagery sets a scene of grandeur turned to ruin, highlighting the theme of decay.

“ My name is Ozymandias, king of kings: look on my works” analysis 4- symbolism

The Statue: The statue of Ozymandias symbolizes the hubris of rulers who believe their power is eternal. The "works" represent human accomplishments, which ultimately fade over time, reinforcing the idea that material achievements cannot withstand the test of time.

“ My name is Ozymandias, king of kings: look on my works” analysis 5- tone

Solemn and Reflective: The tone of the quote carries a sense of solemnity and reflection on mortality and the ephemeral nature of human pride. It serves as a reminder of the futility of seeking immortality through monuments or fame.

“ My name is Ozymandias, king of kings: look on my works” analysis 6- personification

"Look on my works": This phrase anthropomorphizes the idea of "works" as something that can be observed and appreciated, giving them a voice that challenges the observer to recognize their significance, despite their current state of decay.

“ My name is Ozymandias, king of kings: look on my works” analysis 7- theme of hubris

The line encapsulates the theme of hubris, where Ozymandias's arrogance in proclaiming himself "king of kings" ultimately leads to his downfall. It suggests that pride and power are fleeting, and that history will remember the ruins rather than the glory.

“Round the decay of that colossal wreck, boundless and bare” analysis 1- imagery

The phrase "colossal wreck" evokes vivid imagery of a once-great statue or structure that has now fallen into ruin. The visual contrast between "colossal" (implying greatness and power) and "wreck" (suggesting destruction and decay) paints a stark picture of the transience of human achievements

“Round the decay of that colossal wreck, boundless and bare” analysis 2- alliteration

The repetition of the "b" sound in "boundless" and "bare" creates a rhythmic quality that enhances the line's musicality. Alliteration often helps to emphasize particular words or themes, in this case, the vast emptiness surrounding the wreck.

“Round the decay of that colossal wreck, boundless and bare” analysis 3- juxtaposition

The terms "boundless" and "bare" are juxtaposed against the idea of "colossal." This contrast highlights the emptiness and desolation that surround the remains of the once-mighty statue, suggesting that even great power eventually leads to nothingness.

“Round the decay of that colossal wreck, boundless and bare” analysis 4- symbolism

The "colossal wreck" symbolizes the inevitable decline of all leaders and empires. It serves as a reminder of the futility of human pride and ambition, as even the mightiest can be reduced to ruins over time.

“Round the decay of that colossal wreck, boundless and bare” analysis 5- theme of transience

This line encapsulates one of the central themes of the poem: the impermanence of human glory. The decay represents the passage of time and the idea that all things, no matter how grand, will eventually succumb to nature and time

“Round the decay of that colossal wreck, boundless and bare” analysis 6- mood and tone

The mood conveyed by the phrase is one of desolation and melancholy. The imagery of decay and emptiness creates a contemplative tone, prompting the reader to reflect on the nature of legacy and the fleeting nature of power and achievement