Student Question

Is the Ozymandias in Shelley's poem the pharaoh mentioned in the Bible and Quran?

Quick answer:

Ozymandias in Shelley's poem is believed to be inspired by Ramesses the Great, a pharaoh associated with the biblical and Quranic narrative of Moses demanding freedom for the Jews. Ramesses, known for his grandeur, is historically linked to an inscription similar to the poem's themes. While the poem doesn't explicitly confirm this identity, it aligns with historical accounts and the cultural familiarity of Shelley's audience with the biblical figure, enhancing the poem's message about tyranny.

Expert Answers

An illustration of the letter 'A' in a speech bubbles

Ozymandias was another name for the pharoah Ramesses the Great of Egypt. Ramesses (or Ramses) is considered one of the most famous pharoah's of Egypt. He is, indeed, the pharoah from whom Moses demanded freedom for his people, the Jews.

Ramesses was considered the inspiration for Ozymandias. There was an inscription on the base of one of the sculptor Siculus' sculptures that said "King of kings am I. If anyone would know how great I am and where I lie, let him surpass one of my works."

Ramesses is also the pharoah referred to in the Koran. This verse refers to the drowning of the pharoah in the Red Sea after chasing after the people of Israel.

 "We shall save you in your body this day, so that you may become a sign to all posterity." (Koran: 10:92)

This is explained right here on eNotes. See the link.

Approved by eNotes Editorial
An illustration of the letter 'A' in a speech bubbles

The poem, of course, does not state clearly whether the two kings are the same, but it is believed that they are.

By Shelley's time, the tomb and statues of Ozymandias (the historical one) were pretty much gone.  However, a Greek historian had seen these things and written of them.  He said that Ozymandias had a statue that proclaimed himself King of Kings and challenged others to try to be better, like in the poem.

It also makes sense that they would be the same person because people in Shelley's day would have known the Bible quite well and been familiar with Ozymandias's name.  They would have seen him as a tyrant and that would make the point of the poem clearer to them than to people today who do not know who Ozymandias was in the scriptures that you mention.

Get Ahead with eNotes

Start your 48-hour free trial to access everything you need to rise to the top of the class. Enjoy expert answers and study guides ad-free and take your learning to the next level.

Get 48 Hours Free Access
Approved by eNotes Editorial