'Ozymandias' in 6.5 Minutes: Quick Revision

Summary

In this analysis of Percy Shelley's 'Ozymandias,' the poem's themes of power, its transitory nature, and Shelley's criticism of monarchy and religion are explored. The poem, featuring a broken statue in a desert, conveys the irony of Ozymandias' belief in his eternal power, only to see it crumble with time. The structure of the sonnet, with its shifting rhyme scheme, mirrors the poem's central message about the impermanence of human control. The video also examines Shelley's use of language, particularly biblical allusions and harsh alliteration, to underscore his critique of oppressive rulers and organized religion.

Takeaways

• 😀 Ozymandias, written by Percy Shelley, is about the narrator meeting a traveler who describes a ruined statue in a desert.
• 😀 The statue of Ozymandias, once representing a powerful king, is now broken and isolated, symbolizing the transitory nature of power.
• 😀 The inscription on the pedestal of the statue ironically boasts, 'Look on my works, ye Mighty, and despair!', yet nothing remains of his empire.
• 😀 Percy Shelley was part of the Romantic movement, which often critiqued power and authority, especially against monarchy and organized religion.
• 😀 Shelley criticized King George III and religion in his works, and these themes are reflected in Ozymandias, which critiques monarchy and religion.
• 😀 The poem emphasizes that human power is fleeting, using the broken statue as a metaphor for the eventual fall of all empires and rulers.
• 😀 ‘Ozymandias’ is a sonnet, a form traditionally used for love poetry, but Shelley uses it to convey a message about vanity and power.
• 😀 The poem doesn't strictly follow either the Petrarchan or Shakespearean sonnet forms, with a changing rhyme scheme that reflects the transitory nature of power.
• 😀 The changing rhyme scheme in 'Ozymandias' symbolizes how power is unstable and subject to change over time.
• 😀 Shelley uses Biblical language, such as 'King of Kings', to elevate Ozymandias and critique both the king’s godlike attitude and the power of the Church.
• 😀 The harsh 'k' alliteration in the phrase 'cold command' highlights the cruelty of Ozymandias and reinforces Shelley’s critique of oppressive rulers.
• 😀 Shelley’s poem can be read as a commentary on the fleeting nature of power in general, or as a direct criticism of monarchy and organized religion.

Q & A

What is the main theme of the poem 'Ozymandias' by Percy Shelley?

The main theme of 'Ozymandias' is the transitory nature of power. It explores how even the most powerful rulers and empires are subject to decay and the passage of time, emphasizing that power does not last forever.

How does the traveler describe the statue of Ozymandias in the poem?

The traveler describes the statue as having two huge stone legs standing without a body, with the head partially sunk in the sand. Despite being cracked and shattered, the face of the statue shows an arrogant and nasty expression.

What message is inscribed on the pedestal of Ozymandias' statue?

'My name is Ozymandias, king of kings: look on my works, ye Mighty, and despair!' This inscription boasts of the king's immense power and grandeur, but it stands in stark contrast to the ruined and desolate surroundings of the statue.

How does Percy Shelley use the form of the sonnet in 'Ozymandias'?

Shelley uses the sonnet form in 'Ozymandias' to reflect the theme of the poem. The poem’s structure, particularly its changing rhyme scheme, mirrors the transitory nature of power. The sonnet itself adapts, indicating that even the most consistent forms can change and decay over time.

What is the significance of the rhyme scheme in 'Ozymandias'?

The rhyme scheme in 'Ozymandias' starts with an ABAB pattern, resembling a Shakespearean sonnet, but it then shifts to a more irregular scheme (ACDCEDEFEF). This changing rhyme scheme emphasizes the theme of change and the impermanence of power.

Why is the poem 'Ozymandias' considered a criticism of monarchy?

'Ozymandias' criticizes the arrogance and impermanence of monarchs, such as King George III, whom Shelley opposed. The poem portrays Ozymandias as a monarch who believed in his eternal power, but his empire and power have crumbled, much like that of a contemporary king.

How does Shelley criticize religion in 'Ozymandias'?

Shelley critiques religion through the use of Biblical language in the inscription 'King of kings,' a title given to God in the Bible. This suggests Ozymandias viewed himself as god-like in his power, and the poem may also imply that the power of organized religion, like Ozymandias’ empire, will one day fall.

What role does alliteration play in 'Ozymandias'?

The alliterative 'k' sound in phrases like 'King of kings' and 'cold command' creates an aggressive, harsh tone that reflects the cruelty and oppressive nature of Ozymandias’ rule. This linguistic device enhances the portrayal of Ozymandias as a tyrannical figure.

What does the traveler’s story about the statue reveal about the past and present?

The traveler’s story highlights the irony of Ozymandias’ boastful inscription, contrasting his claim of eternal power with the crumbled remains of his empire. This symbolizes how past greatness can be reduced to ruin, and how time eventually erodes all forms of human power.

Which other poems are suggested for comparison with 'Ozymandias' and why?

Poems such as 'Extract from The Prelude,' 'My Last Duchess,' 'Kamikaze,' and 'Tissue' are suggested for comparison due to their exploration of themes related to power, control, and the consequences of human actions. These poems similarly question the nature of power and its impact over time.