“Ozymandias” by Percy Bysshe Shelley

1. I met a traveller from an antique land,
2. Who said—”Two vast and trunkless legs of stone
3. Stand in the desert. . . . Near them, on the sand,
4. Half sunk a shattered visage lies, whose frown,
5. And wrinkled lip, and sneer of cold command,
6. Tell that its sculptor well those passions read
7. Which yet survive, stamped on these lifeless things,
8. The hand that mocked them, and the heart that fed;
9. And on the pedestal, these words appear:
10. My name is Ozymandias, King of Kings;
11. Look on my Works, ye Mighty, and despair!
12. Nothing beside remains. Round the decay
13. Of that colossal Wreck, boundless and bare
14. The lone and level sands stretch far away.”

Introduction

Written by Percy Bysshe Shelley in 1817, “Ozymandias” is a sonnet that depicts the ruins of a once-great civilization and its ruler, Ramses II. Despite its initial reception as a minor poem, “Ozymandias” has won popularity as of Shelley’s most famous and enduring works known for its themes of the transience of power and the futility of human ambition. Its popularity has grown after its numerous adaptations in popular culture, including in television shows, movies, and video games. The poem’s timeless message continues to resonate with the readers, specifically, with the teachers suggesting the poem as a textbook reading across the globe.

Annotations of “Ozymandias” by Percy Bysshe Shelley

Difficult phrases and verse	Annotations/Explanations
antique land	Referring to a distant and ancient land, possibly Egypt or the Middle East.
trunkless legs of stone	Two stone legs that are missing the rest of the body.
visage	The face or facial expression of a person.
sneer of cold command	A facial expression that conveys a cruel and arrogant attitude.
passions read	The sculptor was able to capture the emotions and personality of the subject.
stamped	The emotions and personality of the subject were strongly imprinted or engraved on the lifeless statue.
pedestal	A base or support on which a statue or monument stands.
Ozymandias	A reference to the Greek name for Ramses II, a pharaoh who ruled ancient Egypt.
King of Kings	A grandiose title used to signify supreme power and authority.
mighty	Referring to powerful and influential people.
despair	A feeling of hopelessness or despondency.
colossal Wreck	A massive and ruined statue that has fallen into disrepair.
boundless and bare	Desolate and empty, with nothing around.
lone and level sands	A vast and endless desert landscape.

Literary Devices in “Ozymandias” by Percy Bysshe Shelley

Literary Device	Verse	Identification, Meaning, and Explanation
Allusion	Line 10: “My name is Ozymandias, King of Kings”	It is a reference to a well-known person, event, or work of literature. In this line, Ozymandias is alluding to himself as a great king and ruler. The phrase “King of Kings” was also used in the Bible to refer to God.
Enjambment	Lines 12-15: Nothing beside remains. Round the decay / Of that colossal Wreck, boundless and bare / The lone and level sands stretch far away.”	It is the continuation of a sentence or phrase across multiple lines of poetry. In this example, the phrases continue to the next, joining the overall message of the poem.
Hyperbole	Line 11: “Look on my Works, ye Mighty, and despair!”	It is an exaggerated language used for emphasis or effect. In this line, Ozymandias is using hyperbole to boast of his accomplishments and challenge other rulers to match his power. However, the irony is that his works have crumbled to nothing, and there is nothing left to despair over.
Imagery	Line 3: “Stand in the desert. . . . Near them, on the sand”	These are vivid descriptions that create sensory experiences for the reader. In this line, the reader can visualize the vast expanse of the desert and the isolated nature of the statue, highlighting the futility of Ozymandias’s attempts to exert his power.
Irony	Line 14: “The lone and level sands stretch far away”	It is a contrast between what is expected and what actually occurs. In this line, the sands stretching far away suggest that Ozymandias’s power and legacy have faded into obscurity, despite his earlier boastful claims.
Metaphor	Line 4: “Half sunk a shattered visage lies”	It is a comparison between two things that are not alike, often using “is” or “was.” In this line, the shattered visage is compared to a fallen statue or monument, emphasizing the transience of even the most powerful empires.
Onomatopoeia	Line 13: “Of that colossal Wreck, boundless and bare”	It means words that imitate sounds. In this line, the repetition of the “b” sound creates a sense of heaviness and finality, as the reader confronts the ruins of Ozymandias’s empire.
Oxymoron	Line 7: “stamped on these lifeless things”	It is a figure of speech that combines two contradictory terms for effect. In this line, the phrase “lifeless things” is an oxymoron, as things cannot be both lifeless and stamped with passions. The contradiction underscores the idea that the statue, despite being made of stone, still carries the emotions and hubris of its creator.
Personification	Line 6: “Tell that its sculptor well those passions read”	It means attributing human qualities or characteristics to non-human objects. In this line, the statue is personified as having passions that were accurately read by the sculptor. This suggests that the statue is more than just an inanimate object and has a life of its own, carrying the emotions of Ozymandias even after his empire has fallen.
Repetition	Line 14: “The lone and level sands stretch far away”	It is the repetition of words or phrases for emphasis. In this line, the repetition of “away” emphasizes the finality and permanence of Ozymandias’s downfall, with his empire now reduced to nothingness.
Rhyme	Lines 2-3: “Two vast and trunkless legs of stone / Stand in the desert. . . . Near them, on the sand”	It is the repetition of similar sounds at the ends of words. In this example, “stone” and “sand” rhyme, creating a sense of continuity between the legs of the statue and the surrounding desert landscape.
Simile	Line 5: “And wrinkled lip, and sneer of cold command”	It is a comparison between two things using “like” or “as.” In this line, the statue’s facial features are compared to a sneer of cold command, emphasizing the arrogance and disdain of Ozymandias.
Symbolism	Line 10: “My name is Ozymandias, King of Kings”	It is the use of symbols to represent ideas or qualities. In this line, Ozymandias’s name and title symbolize his power and influence, which have now been reduced to nothing more than a ruined statue in the desert.
Tone	Line 13: “Of that colossal Wreck, boundless and bare”	It is the attitude or feeling conveyed by a piece of writing. In this line, the tone is one of despair and hopelessness, as the reader confronts the ruins of Ozymandias’s once-great empire.
Understatement	Line 12: “Nothing beside remains”	It is a statement that downplays the significance or intensity of a situation. In this line, the word “nothing” is an understatement, as it represents the complete destruction of Ozymandias’s empire and legacy. Despite its understated nature, the word highlights the magnitude of his downfall.
Verbal Irony	Line 11: “Look on my Works, ye Mighty, and despair!”	It is a contrast between what is said and what is meant. In this line, Ozymandias is using verbal irony to mock other rulers and emphasize his own power. However, the irony is that his works have crumbled to nothing, and there is nothing left to despair over.

Sound and Poetic Devices in “Ozymandias” by Percy Bysshe Shelley

Literary Device	Example/Reference	Definition, Meaning and Function
Alliteration	“Half sunk a shattered visage lies”	This is the repetition of the same consonant sound at the beginning of multiple words in a sentence or phrase. In this verse, the alliteration on the “s” sound creates a sense of desolation and decay, emphasizing the brokenness of the statue and the desolate surroundings.
Assonance	“whose frown, and wrinkled lip, and sneer of cold command”	This is the repetition of the same vowel sound in a sentence or phrase. The assonance of the “o” and “e” sounds in this verse create a sense of scorn and arrogance, emphasizing the statue’s power and authority despite its ruin.
Consonance	“And on the pedestal, these words appear”	This is the repetition of the same consonant sound at the end of multiple words in a sentence or phrase. The consonance of the “p” and “l” sounds in this verse creates a sense of solidity and stability, contrasting with the fragility and decay of the statue.
End Rhyme	“despair” and “bare”	This is the repetition of the same sound at the end of two or more lines of poetry. In this verse, the end rhyme emphasizes the finality of the statue’s decay and the desolation of its surroundings.
Rhyme Scheme	ABAB-ACDC-EDE-FDF	This is the pattern of rhyme in a poem. In “Ozymandias,” the rhyme scheme creates a sense of order and symmetry, contrasting with the theme of decay and disorder.
Diction	“colossal Wreck” and “boundless and bare”	This is the choice and use of words and phrases in a poem. In “Ozymandias,” the diction creates a sense of grandeur and destruction, emphasizing the statue’s former glory and its current ruin.
Verse Type	Blank Verse	It means a verse without a rhyme scheme, but with a regular meter. “Ozymandias” is written in iambic pentameter, with each line consisting of ten syllables with alternating stressed and unstressed syllables.
Stanza Type	Sonnet	A poem consisting of fourteen lines, often with a specific rhyme scheme. “Ozymandias” is a sonnet, with a rhyme scheme of ABAB-ACDC-EDE-FDF.
Poem Type	Sonnet	It is a type of poem having two parts: an octave and a sestet.
Tone	Irony and Satire	The attitude or feeling conveyed by a poem. In “Ozymandias,” the tone is one of irony and satire, as Shelley mocks the vanity and arrogance of the statue’s inscription and contrasts it with its current state of ruin.

Functions of Literary Devices in “Ozymandias” by Percy Bysshe Shelley

1. Enhancing the Poem’s Imagery: Shelley employs various literary devices to create vivid and striking images in “Ozymandias.” For example, he uses alliteration and repetition to emphasize the huge size and grandeur of the statue’s legs (“colossal” and “countenance” in line 3, and “boundless” and “bare” in line 13). Besides these, his use of metaphor and personification brings the statue to life, helping th readers to picture it as a powerful ruler who now lies in ruins.
2. Creating Mood and Tone: Literary devices play a key role in establishing the mood and tone of “Ozymandias.” Shelley uses caesura and enjambment to create a sense of foreboding and emptiness. Broken lines and pauses, too, convey a sense of the statue’s isolation and the futility of Ozymandias’s efforts to preserve his legacy. Furthermore, the use of irony and paradox helps to establish a tone of bitterness and resignation, underscoring the poem’s underlying message about the transience of power and the inevitability of decline.
3. Providing Insight into Character: The literary devices employed in “Ozymandias” provide insight into the character of Ozymandias himself. The statue’s “frown, / And wrinkled lip, and sneer of cold command” (line 5) create an image of a proud and arrogant ruler who believed himself to be invincible. Similarly, the inscription on the pedestal, with its hyperbolic claims and self-aggrandizement, reveals the depth of Ozymandias’s ambition and hubris.
4. Conveying Complex Themes: The literary devices in “Ozymandias” serve to convey the poem’s complex themes about power, mortality, and the passage of time. Through his use of metaphor and symbolism, Shelley presents the statue as a metaphor for human ambition and the futility of trying to preserve one’s legacy. His use of paradox and irony also underscores the idea that the pursuit of power is ultimately self-defeating. Overall, these devices help to create a rich and nuanced meditation on the nature of power and the limits of human ambition.

Themes in “Ozymandias” by Percy Bysshe Shelley

1. Transience of Power: In his sonnet, “Ozymandias,” Shelley emphasizes the theme of the transience of power through the description of the statue’s decay and the obliteration of its inscription. The broken statue of Ozymandias serves as a powerful symbol of the fleeting nature of power and the inevitable decline of the most powerful rulers. The lines “Half sunk a shattered visage lies” (line 4) and “Round the decay of that colossal Wreck, boundless and bare, / The lone and level sands stretch far away” (lines 12-14) underscore the idea that even the most grandiose achievements face the stringent ravages of time and the impermanence of human existence.
2. Dangers of Hubris: The poem “Ozymandias” explores the dangers of hubris, or excessive pride, through Shelley’s portrayal of Ozymandias as an arrogant and self-aggrandizing ruler. The phrase “sneer of cold command” (line 5) suggests that Ozymandias was a tyrant who ruled with an iron fist. The inscription on the pedestal, “Look on my Works, ye Mighty, and despair!” (line 11), reveals his arrogance as well as delusion of invincibility. The fact that the inscription is the only thing that remains of his statue highlights the dangers of unchecked ambition and the fleeting nature of power.
3. Limits of Human Achievement: In his poem, “Ozymandias”, Shelley grapples with the idea that human achievement is ultimately limited and finite. The description of the statue’s decay and the obliteration of its inscription demonstrates the idea that even the most grandiose achievements such as the statue of Ozymandias are subject to the vagaries of fate. The phrase “Nothing beside remains” (line 12) suggests that even the most powerful rulers face oblivious that their achievements go to ruins.
4. Power of Art and Language: Despite the decay of the statue, the inscription on its pedestal serves as a testament to Ozymandias’s legacy and the power of language to convey meaning and shape the course of history. The line “And on the pedestal, these words appear” (line 9) highlights the importance of language in preserving a record of human achievement. The fact that the inscription is still legible, despite the decay of the statue, underscores the power of language to transcend time and preserve a record of human achievement. Also, the description of the sculptor who “well those passions read” (line 6) suggests that art has the power to capture and convey human emotion and experience, even in the face of the passage of time.

Literary Theories and “Ozymandias” by Percy Bysshe Shelley

1. Historical Criticism: This literary theory examines the historical context surrounding the creation of a literary work. In the case of “Ozymandias,” historical criticism highlights Shelley’s interest in the political events of his time, particularly the French Revolution and the overthrow of tyrannical rulers. The poem could be interpreted as a commentary on the fleeting nature of power and the downfall of tyrants, as exemplified by the ruined statue of Ozymandias. (Verse 10: “My name is Ozymandias, King of Kings; / Look on my Works, ye Mighty, and despair!”)
2. New Criticism: This literary theory focuses on the text itself, independent of any outside factors. When applying new criticism to “Ozymandias,” one might examine the use of images and symbols throughout the poem, particularly in the depiction of the “colossal Wreck” (Verse 13) and the “lone and level sands” (Verse 14), which symbolize the transience and impermanence of human achievement.
3. Reader-Response Criticism: This literary theory emphasizes the role of the reader in interpreting a literary work. In “Ozymandias,” the reader might be struck by the sense of irony and futility in the poem, as the once-powerful Ozymandias is now reduced to a pile of ruins. (Verse 12: “Nothing beside remains. Round the decay / Of that colossal Wreck, boundless and bare”)
4. Psychological Criticism: This literary theory seeks to understand the motivations and psychological states of the characters or authors in a literary work. In “Ozymandias,” one might interpret the depiction of the ruined statue and its proud, tyrannical subject as an expression of Shelley’s own anxieties about power and the human condition. (Verse 4: “Half sunk a shattered visage lies, whose frown, / And wrinkled lip, and sneer of cold command”)

Essay Topics, Questions and Thesis Statements about “Ozymandias” by Percy Bysshe Shelley

1. Topic 1: Hubris and the Impermanence of Power in “Ozymandias”

Questions:

1. How does the poem criticize the idea of absolute power and authority?
2. What are the consequences of Ozymandias’ hubris?
3. How does the imagery of the ruined statue contribute to the poem’s message about power and human mortality?

Thesis Statement: In “Ozymandias,” Shelley uses vivid imagery and irony to convey a warning about the dangers of hubris and the impermanence of power, showing how even the mightiest rulers are ultimately subject to the ravages of time and the inevitable decline of all things.

• Topic 2: Art and Memory in “Ozymandias”

Questions:

1. How does the poem explore the relationship between art and memory?
2. What is the significance of the ruined statue and the inscription on its pedestal?
3. How does the imagery of the barren desert landscape contribute to the poem’s themes of transience and loss?

Thesis Statement: “Ozymandias” offers a powerful meditation on the role of art and memory in preserving the legacy of great figures and civilizations, showing how even the most magnificent works of art can become symbols of transience and loss when they are divorced from their original context and the people who created them.

3. Topic 3: The Significance of the Traveler’s Perspective in “Ozymandias”

Questions:

How does the traveler’s perspective shape the meaning of the poem?

What is the significance of the traveler’s encounter with the ruins of Ozymandias’ statue?

How does the poem explore the idea of historical perspective and the limitations of human knowledge?

Thesis Statement: Through the perspective of the traveler who encounters the ruins of Ozymandias’ statue, Shelley highlights the limitations of human knowledge and the dangers of arrogance and pride, showing how even the most powerful figures and empires can become lost to time and memory.

Topic 4: The Use of Language and Imagery in “Ozymandias”

Questions:

1. How does Shelley use language and imagery to create a vivid and memorable portrait of the ruined statue and the desert landscape?
2. What is the significance of the repeated use of certain words and phrases, such as “vast,” “sneer of cold command,” and “boundless and bare”?
3. How does the poem’s language and imagery contribute to its overall themes of power, transience, and loss?

Thesis Statement: Shelley’s masterful use of language and imagery in “Ozymandias” creates a haunting and unforgettable portrait of the ruins of Ozymandias’ statue and the desolate desert landscape that surrounds it, underscoring the poem’s themes of the dangers of power, the fragility of human achievements, and the inevitability of decay and loss.

Short Questions-Answers about “Ozymandias” by Percy Bysshe Shelley

1. What is the central message of “Ozymandias”?

The central message of “Ozymandias” is the fleeting nature of power and the inevitability of the downfall of even the mightiest rulers. The poem shows that even though Ozymandias was once a powerful king, his works have been destroyed, and his name is all that remains. The lines “Look on my works, ye Mighty, and despair!” (line 11) are full of irony because they show that even the king’s most impressive creations have crumbled into dust. The poem, thus, reminds us of the transience of human life and the insignificance of earthly achievements in the grand scheme of things.

• What is the role of imagery in “Ozymandias”?

The imagery in “Ozymandias” plays an important role in conveying the poem’s central message. The “vast and trunkless legs of stone” (line 2) and the “shattered visage” (line 4) create a vivid picture of the ruins of the king’s statue, while the “lone and level sands” (line 14) suggest the vastness and emptiness of the desert landscape. The contrast between the power and grandeur of the statue and the desolate landscape in which it now stands further emphasizes the poem’s theme of the transience of human achievements.

• What is the significance of the title “Ozymandias”?

The title “Ozymandias” is significant because it refers to the Greek name for the Egyptian pharaoh Ramesses II, who was known for his military conquests and grand building projects. The use of this name reinforces the theme of the fleeting nature of power and the ultimate insignificance of even the most impressive human accomplishments. The fact that the title uses a name that would have been familiar to Shelley’s readers underscores the universality of the poem’s message.