Themes: The Transience of Glory
The setting of Shelley's poem, a desert as described to the speaker, is symbolic of bleakness and emptiness. But evidently a great kingdom existed there at one time, as evidenced by the ruins of the eponymous king's image. So, readers are immediately told that although something or someone "great" once was there, now there is nothing but desolation. This is an "antique land." Whatever resulted in the ruins of the statue, the head severed from the "trunkless legs," it was obviously very long ago that this occurred, and the enormous stretch of time conveys that what happened in this antique land is a constant throughout human history, a repetitive phenomenon. But in that remote past, Ozymandias—the Greek name for the Egyptian pharaoh Ramesses, or Ramses, II—was renowned and powerful, the "King of Kings." Now, he is long dead, and his "works," which in the inscription he enjoins the visitor to "look on with despair," have disappeared. Not only does nothing remain of what this king commanded to be built, but the statue itself has broken apart. Some of it has disappeared completely, given that the legs are "trunkless." The evidence is of a supreme leader whose legacy consists solely of a ruin, attesting to the transience of his self-declared glory and power. In this world, Shelley's message reads, nothing lasts; nothing has the power to sustain itself. Impermanence rules.
Expert Q&A
In Shelley's "Ozymandias," what does the phrase "Nothing beside remains" mean?
The phrase "Nothing beside remains" means that nothing is left of Ozymandias's once-mighty kingdom except a shattered statue in an empty desert. This phrase highlights the irony of Ozymandias's boastful inscription, emphasizing the impermanence of power and the ultimate fragility of human achievements. It serves as a metaphor for the transient nature of human pride and the enduring legacy of art and words.
How does the meaning of "Ozymandias" ('breath' or 'air' to rule) relate to the poem's theme?
"Ozymandias" means "Breathe to rule."
The meaning of "Ozymandias" ('breath' or 'air' to rule) underscores the poem's theme of the fleeting nature of power. Despite Ramesses II's vast influence and the grand monuments he built to immortalize his reign, the broken statue in the poem symbolizes the inevitable decay and impermanence of even the greatest rulers and their legacies.
How does Percy Bysshe Shelley's "Ozymandias" relate to change?
Shelley's "Ozymandias" addresses the theme of change by illustrating the impermanence of power and glory. Inspired by historical accounts of a statue of Ramses II, Shelley depicts how the once-great works of Ozymandias have been reduced to ruins, symbolizing the inevitable decay of all empires. The poem's inscription highlights that despite Ozymandias's past might, nothing remains but "boundless and bare" sands, emphasizing the relentless march of time and its power to erase human achievements.
What is the moral or lesson of "Ozymandias"?
The moral of "Ozymandias" is that human power and pride are fleeting. The poem illustrates that no matter how mighty a ruler may be, their legacy can crumble and be forgotten over time. It also conveys that tyrants will eventually fall, and oppression does not last forever. Shelley's message underscores the transient nature of human achievements and the enduring power of art.
How is time presented in Shelley's "Ozymandias"?
Shelley presents time in "Ozymandias" as being the great leveler. It doesn’t matter how great we are, or how great we think we are, we can all eventually be forgotten just like the pharaoh of the title.
In "Ozymandias," what does Ozymandias mean by "despair" in his statue's message?
In "Ozymandias," the word "despair" in the statue's message is intended by Ozymandias to instill fear and hopelessness in other rulers, suggesting they cannot surpass his power and achievements. However, the irony lies in the fact that his once-great kingdom is now reduced to ruins in the desert. Thus, "despair" also signifies the inevitable decline of all human power, serving as a cautionary tale about the transience of greatness.
What does the broken statue of Ozymandias symbolize?
The broken statue of Ozymandias symbolizes the fleeting nature of power and the inevitable downfall of tyrants. Despite Ozymandias's grand ego and belief in his eternal greatness, all that remains of his empire is a shattered statue in the desert. This illustrates that even the mightiest rulers and their achievements are ultimately temporary and will be forgotten over time.
In "Ozymandias," what does "which yet survive" mean? A. Outlast B. Live C.Display D.Coexist
In "Ozymandias," when Shelley states that the "passions" of King Ozymandias that are recreated by the sculptor of his statue "yet survive," he means that the feelings expressed in Ozymandias's stone face outlast the late ruler's physical monument. Any of the choices here could substitute for "survive," but the most fitting answer is "outlast." Ozymandias's hubris ironically outlasts him and the material manifestations of his command. They crumble, yet his imperious spirit survives.
What is the central theme and irony in "Ozymandias"?
The central theme of "Ozymandias" could be the finite life cycle of humanity and the human wish to leave a lasting impact. The irony of the story lies in Ozymandias' insistence on remaining an immortal force, only to have his monuments crumble among the sands of history.
Is Percy Bysshe Shelley's "Ozymandias" about human arrogance and its inevitable results?
"Ozymandias" addresses human arrogance and its inevitable downfall. The poem depicts the ruins of a once-mighty statue of Ozymandias, symbolizing the fleeting nature of power and pride. Shelley's sonnet contrasts the ruler's past grandeur with the current desolation, emphasizing that human achievements, no matter how monumental, are ultimately transient and insignificant against the inexorable forces of time and nature. This poetic argument reflects Shelley's belief in the impermanence of human endeavors.
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