Ozymandias

Definition

Ozymandias refers to the Greek name for Ramses II, an Egyptian pharaoh, and is most famously known through the poem 'Ozymandias' by Percy Bysshe Shelley. The poem explores themes of power, hubris, and the inevitable decline of all leaders and empires, illustrating how time erodes human achievements and authority. This ties into Romantic poetry by emphasizing nature's supremacy over human constructs and highlighting the transient nature of human glory.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Shelley's poem 'Ozymandias' was written in 1817 and is a sonnet that uses vivid imagery to depict the remnants of a once-great empire.
2. The poem opens with a traveler’s account of a decayed statue in the desert, symbolizing the passage of time and loss of power.
3. The inscription on the pedestal boasts Ozymandias' greatness but ultimately contrasts with the desolation surrounding it, underscoring the theme of impermanence.
4. Romantic poets like Shelley often drew inspiration from ancient civilizations, using Ozymandias to reflect on the contrast between human ambition and nature's enduring strength.
5. The poem serves as a critique of tyranny and the arrogance of rulers who believe their power is eternal, making it relevant to discussions of authority and legacy.

Review Questions

• How does Shelley's depiction of Ozymandias reflect Romantic ideals about nature and power?
  • In 'Ozymandias,' Shelley illustrates the theme that nature ultimately prevails over human ambition. The ruined statue set against the vast desert emphasizes how time erodes even the mightiest empires. This reflects Romantic ideals by highlighting nature's permanence compared to the fleeting nature of human achievements, showing that no matter how powerful a ruler may seem, they are ultimately subject to time's inevitable decay.
• Analyze how Shelley uses imagery in 'Ozymandias' to convey themes of hubris and impermanence.
  • Shelley employs vivid imagery in 'Ozymandias' to paint a stark picture of a once-great ruler now reduced to ruins. The description of the broken statue and its boastful inscription serve to highlight Ozymandias' hubris—his belief in his everlasting legacy. This contrast between his grand claims and the desolate surroundings powerfully illustrates the theme of impermanence, reminding readers that all achievements are temporary.
• Evaluate the significance of Ozymandias as a symbol within Romantic poetry regarding leadership and legacy.
  • Ozymandias symbolizes the transient nature of power and serves as a cautionary tale within Romantic poetry about leadership. The poem critiques the arrogance of rulers who seek immortality through monuments and conquests. It emphasizes that legacy is not defined by material grandeur but rather by how one is remembered after their reign has ended. This aligns with Romantic ideals that prioritize emotional resonance over mere grandeur, reinforcing that true greatness lies in humility and connection to nature.

Related terms

Romanticism:

An artistic and literary movement that emphasized emotion, nature, individualism, and the sublime, often in reaction to the Industrial Revolution.

Sculpture: A three-dimensional art form that plays a significant role in the poem as it describes a broken statue of Ozymandias, symbolizing lost power.

Hubris: Excessive pride or self-confidence that leads to a downfall, a central theme in Shelley's poem as Ozymandias' arrogance leads to his eventual ruin.