SUMMARY
A narrator describes his meeting with a traveller from a foreign land. This traveller told him a story about
finding the shattered remains of an ancient statue of a king in the desert. The inscription beneath the
statue indicates that the king was arrogant, proud, and boastful.
CONTEXT
‘Ozymandias’ is another name for a famous ancient Egyptian Pharaoh – Ramses II – a successful warrior
and builder. He was one of the most powerful Pharaohs of Ancient Egypt.
Shelley was a romantic poet and wrote Ozymandias in 1818. Furthermore, Shelley was radical
politically and disapproved of the British monarchy. From this, you could argue that this poem is a
criticism of wielding (having and using) power in an undemocratic way and ruling as a tyrant.
STRUCTURAL IDEAS
Irregular rhyming scheme – the rhyme scheme does Rhythm breaker – At line 10, Ozymandias’ voice
not follow that of a Shakespearean or Petrarchan breaks iambic pentameter. This perhaps reflects
sonnet. You could argue this reflects the shattered the king’s belief that he is above the law.
power of the King. It could also show how
temporary and breakable human structures and
creations are.
Enjambment and caesura – The use of enjambment
and caesura throughout the poem creates a sense
of fragmentation, just like Ozymandias’ power
crumbling.
KEY CONCEPTS
The poem delivers a powerful message about the temporary nature of power. It also highlights the
insignificance of humans compared to nature and time.
1) Arrogance of rulers
a) Shelly points out the arrogance of Ramses and other leaders, whose power has led to pride and
the mistreatment of others.
b) The sculptor satirises Ozymandias, shown by the phrase, “the hand that mocked them…”.
2) Power of art
a) By describing how nothing remains of Ozymandias but a work of art and collection of words,
Shelly suggests that art, language and literature are far more enduring than human power.
3) Timeless message
a) There is a certain timelessness to the poem.
b) You could argue that its messages about abuse of power and the temporary nature of political
authority are still as relevant today as when Shelley was writing.
KEY QUOTATIONS
“Vast and trunkless legs of stone.” “Half sunk”
Metaphor Metaphor
This describes the statue. The ruined statue is a This describes the statue. The ruined statue is a
metaphor for political power. metaphor for political power.
“Shattered visage” “Sneer of cold command”
Metaphor Alliteration
Just as the face of the statue is ‘shattered’, this also The use of sound in the poem contributes to the
comparatively suggests that Ozymandias’ power is speaker’s distaste towards Ozymandias. For
shattered too. example, the harsh ‘c’ and ‘b’ sound in “cold
command” and “boundless and bare”.
“My name is Ozymandias, king of kings…” “Nothing besides remains. Round the decay / of
that colossal wreck, boundless and bare”.
Repetition Juxtaposition
The repetition of “king of kings” shows how Emphasises the contrast between his former
Ozymandias wished to portray himself as power and his current state.
omnipotent (all powerful). It suggests that he is Caesura
trying to deify himself and wants to be worshipped The caesura after ‘remains’ highlights how
as a God. Ozymandias’ power has come to an end.
KEY COMPARISONS
Powerful individuals, misuse of power and Power of nature vs power of humans
corruption Storm on the Island
My Last Duchess Exposure
London The Prelude
Tissue
