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    2 views4 pages

    Untitled Document

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    of 4

    OZYMANDIAS

    NOTES
    1. Historical and Biographical Context:

    ● Percy Bysshe Shelley was a Romantic poet who wrote


    "Ozymandias" in the early 19th century. The poem reflects the
    Romantic fascination with the grandeur of the past and the
    inevitable decline of human achievements.
    ● The poem was written during a period of political and social
    upheaval in Europe, with Shelley himself being a political radical
    and a critic of oppressive governments.

    2. Imagery and Symbolism:

    ● The central image in the poem is the "vast and trunkless legs of
    stone," which represents the shattered remains of a colossal
    statue.
    ● The face of Ozymandias, "half-sunk" and "shattered,"
    symbolizes the transience of human power and glory.
    ● The "sneer of cold command" on the statue's face suggests the
    arrogance and hubris of the ruler it depicts.

    3. Irony and Contrast:

    ● The poem's title, "Ozymandias," is the Greek name for the


    Egyptian pharaoh Ramses II. This historical reference sets the
    stage for the contrast between the once-mighty ruler and the
    desolation of his legacy.
    ● The juxtaposition of the "vast" and "colossal" statue with the
    "boundless and bare" desert highlights the impermanence of
    human achievements in the face of nature's vastness.

    4. Narrative Structure:

    ● The poem is structured as a traveler's account of discovering


    the ruins of the statue in the desert. This narrative structure
    allows the reader to experience the traveler's sense of awe and
    contemplation.
    5. Irony and Hubris:

    ● Ozymandias, the ruler who commissioned the statue, believed


    his power and achievements were so great that they would be
    remembered for eternity. However, the poem's depiction of the
    ruined statue and the inscription, "Look on my Works, ye Mighty,
    and despair!" serves as a powerful ironic commentary on the
    impermanence of human empires and the futility of such
    arrogance.

    6. Themes:

    ● The poem explores several themes, including the transience of


    human achievements, the passage of time, the folly of pride and
    hubris, and the inexorable power of nature.

    7. Message:

    ● "Ozymandias" ultimately conveys the message that even the


    mightiest empires and rulers will eventually crumble and fade
    into obscurity. Nature, represented by the vast desert, endures
    long after human creations have turned to dust.

    8. Legacy:

    ● "Ozymandias" has become one of Shelley's most famous and


    enduring works, celebrated for its exploration of the human
    condition and the impermanence of human glory.

    9. Influence:

    ● The poem has influenced countless other works of literature, art,


    and popular culture, and its central themes continue to resonate
    with readers today.
    In summary, "Ozymandias" by Percy Bysshe Shelley is a
    thought-provoking and enduring poem that explores the themes of
    human pride, the ephemeral nature of power and glory, and the
    inexorable march of time. Through vivid imagery and a narrative
    structure, Shelley invites readers to contemplate the ruins of a
    once-great civilization and reflect on the hubris of those who believe
    their achievements will last forever. The poem's message remains
    relevant as a cautionary tale about the transience of human
    endeavors.

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