Ozymandias

Definition

Ozymandias is a name that refers to a pharaoh of ancient Egypt, most commonly associated with a poem by Percy Bysshe Shelley. The poem explores themes of impermanence and the inevitable decline of all leaders and empires, highlighting how even the greatest of monuments can fade into obscurity over time. Ozymandias serves as a powerful symbol of the fleeting nature of power and human achievement, connecting to broader ideas within Romantic poetry about the sublime and the transience of life.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The poem 'Ozymandias' was written by Percy Bysshe Shelley in 1818 and reflects Romantic ideals through its focus on nature's power over human creations.
2. Shelley describes a broken statue in the desert, with the inscription that reveals Ozymandias's arrogance and the futility of his claims to greatness.
3. The imagery in 'Ozymandias' contrasts the vastness of the surrounding desolation with the remnants of a once-great ruler's monument, emphasizing themes of time and decay.
4. Shelley's poem is often analyzed as a critique of hubris, illustrating how those who seek immortality through their works will ultimately face oblivion.
5. The title character Ozymandias is commonly identified with Ramses II, an Egyptian pharaoh known for his monumental statues and lengthy reign, further connecting history to the poem's themes.

Review Questions

• How does Shelley's portrayal of Ozymandias reflect the themes of Romanticism?
  • Shelley's portrayal of Ozymandias embodies Romantic themes by emphasizing emotion, the power of nature, and individual arrogance. The poem depicts a once-mighty ruler whose prideful words are now meaningless amidst the ruins of his statue in an empty desert. This highlights the Romantic ideal that nature ultimately outlasts human ambition, showcasing both beauty and decay in an ever-changing world.
• What is the significance of the inscription on Ozymandias's pedestal in relation to his character and legacy?
  • The inscription on Ozymandias's pedestal serves as a stark reminder of his arrogance and inflated sense of self-importance. It claims he is 'king of kings' and challenges other rulers to compare with him. However, this message becomes ironic as the surrounding desolation shows that his once-great empire has crumbled. This contrast underscores how legacies built on pride can be swiftly forgotten, echoing the transient nature of power.
• Analyze how Shelley's 'Ozymandias' addresses the concept of time and impermanence in relation to human achievement.
  • In 'Ozymandias,' Shelley effectively addresses time and impermanence by contrasting the remnants of a grand statue with the vast emptiness around it. The poem illustrates how even the most monumental achievements can be reduced to dust over time, revealing the futility of human pride. This analysis encourages readers to reflect on their own ambitions in light of history's relentless passage and reminds us that all empires eventually fall, leaving only traces behind.

Related terms

Romanticism:

An artistic and literary movement that emphasized emotion, nature, and individualism, often reacting against the Industrial Revolution and Enlightenment rationalism.

Sculpture: A three-dimensional work of art that Ozymandias is famously depicted as being part of, representing the grandeur and ambition of human creativity, which can ultimately decay.

The Sublime: A concept in Romantic literature that refers to an aesthetic quality that inspires awe or wonder, often associated with nature's power and beauty, contrasting with human vulnerability.