In "Ozymandias," Percy Bysshe Shelley explores the theme of arrogance through the depiction of a once-mighty ruler whose legacy has crumbled into oblivion. The poem serves as a stark reminder of the transience of human power and the futility of pride. Ozymandias, a great king, believed his achievements would immortalize him, yet all that remains of his grandeur is a ruined statue in a desolate desert. Shelley's portrayal of Ozymandias's arrogance highlights the inevitable decay of human endeavors and the ultimate insignificance of earthly power.

The inscription on the pedestal of Ozymandias's statue is a testament to his monumental arrogance. It reads:

'My name is Ozymandias, king of kings:
Look on my works, ye Mighty, and despair!'

These words reflect Ozymandias's belief in his enduring power and grandeur. He saw himself as a ruler above all others, commanding respect and fear. However, the irony is palpable as the surrounding ruins and endless sands emphasize the impermanence of his achievements. The once-great king's boastful claim now stands as a reminder of the futility of human pride.

The description of the statue's "shattered visage" and "sneer of cold command" further illustrates Ozymandias's arrogance. The "sneer" suggests a disdainful and haughty attitude, fitting for a ruler who declared himself "king of kings." This expression of cold command signifies his desire to be seen as a powerful and unapproachable figure. Yet, the statue's current state—a "colossal wreck"—reveals the hubris in his belief that he could defy time and mortality.

Shelley's use of the "ubi sunt" theme, which questions the whereabouts of past glories, underscores the transitory nature of power. Ozymandias's fallen statue symbolizes the inevitable decline of even the greatest empires. The poem's closing image of the "boundless and bare" desert stretching far away reinforces the idea that human achievements, no matter how grand, are ultimately fleeting. Ozymandias's arrogance, once a source of pride, now serves as a cautionary tale about the limits of human ambition.