Ozymandias (Percy Bysshe Shelley)

Ozymandias by Percy Bysshe Shelley is a sonnet that explores the theme of power, its transience, and the inevitable decay of human achievements. Set against the backdrop of a ruined statue in the desert, the poem reflects on the impermanence of power and the folly of human arrogance. Through vivid imagery and sharp contrasts, Shelley invites readers to contemplate the fleeting nature of worldly power and the ultimate triumph of time. The Poem appears below. You can find more analysis further down the page.

Ozymandias by Percy Bysshe Shelley 

I met a traveller from an antique land, 
Who said—“Two vast and trunkless legs of stone 
Stand in the desert. . . . Near them, on the sand, 
Half sunk a shattered visage lies, whose frown, 
And wrinkled lip, and sneer of cold command, 
Tell that its sculptor well those passions read 
Which yet survive, stamped on these lifeless things, 
The hand that mocked them, and the heart that fed; 
And on the pedestal, these words appear: 
My name is Ozymandias, King of Kings; 
Look on my Works, ye Mighty, and despair! 
Nothing beside remains. Round the decay 
Of that colossal Wreck, boundless and bare 
The lone and level sands stretch far away.”

Analysis

Imagery and Language:

Shelley's use of vivid imagery plays a central role in conveying the poem's themes. The opening lines introduce the reader to a vast, desolate landscape where only the remnants of a once-great statue remain. Words like "vast" and "boundless" emphasize the magnitude of the desert, highlighting the insignificance of human endeavours in the face of nature's vastness. The image of the "shattered visage" and "wrinkled lip" evokes a sense of decay and erosion, suggesting the inevitable decline of even the mightiest empires.

The language throughout the poem is rich in symbolism and metaphor. The name "Ozymandias" itself, derived from the Greek pharaoh Ramses II, conveys a sense of grandeur and authority. However, the irony lies in the fact that even this once-powerful ruler has been reduced to a mere fragment of his former glory. The inscription on the pedestal, "My name is Ozymandias, king of kings: / Look on my works, ye Mighty, and despair!" is a poignant reminder of human hubris and the delusions of immortality. Despite Ozymandias's boastful claims, all that remains are "two vast and trunkless legs of stone," serving as a stark testament to the ephemeral nature of power.

Structure and Form:

"Ozymandias" adheres to the traditional structure of a sonnet, consisting of fourteen lines written in iambic pentameter. However, unlike conventional sonnets that often explore themes of love and beauty, Shelley subverts this form to convey a message about power and its inevitable decline. The poem is divided into two parts: an octave followed by a sestet, with a volta or turn occurring between them. This structure allows Shelley to present contrasting images and ideas, ultimately leading to a deeper understanding of the poem's central theme.

Themes:

The primary theme of "Ozymandias" is the transient nature of power. Through the depiction of a ruined statue in the desert, Shelley emphasizes the impermanence of human achievements and the futility of seeking immortality through material means. The contrast between the grandeur of Ozymandias's ambitions and the reality of his inevitable downfall serves as a cautionary tale against pride and arrogance.

Another theme explored in the poem is the passage of time and its relentless march towards oblivion. The image of the "lone and level sands" stretching into the distance underscores the idea of time as a powerful force capable of erasing even the most enduring legacies. In this sense, "Ozymandias" serves as a meditation on mortality and the inevitability of decay.

Conclusion:

"Ozymandias" by Percy Bysshe Shelley is a timeless exploration of power, ambition, and the fleeting nature of human existence. Through vivid imagery, rich symbolism, and poignant language, Shelley invites readers to contemplate the fragility of power and the enduring legacy of time. In its portrayal of a once-mighty ruler reduced to a mere memory, the poem serves as a powerful reminder of the transient nature of earthly pursuits and the ultimate triumph of nature over human ambition.

You can find analysis of all the Power and Conflict Poetry Anthology Poems here.