Ozymandias by Percy Bysshe Shelley

Inspired by a statue of Egyptian pharaoh Ramses II, unearthed by British archaeologists in the early 1800s, Percy Bysshe Shelley explores the theme of the transience of human power. What once was a symbol of a great and powerful leader, is now a shattered statue slated to sit in a museum.

TPCASTT Analysis

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Literary Elements

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Theme Connection

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Essential Questions for "Ozymandias"

1. What picture does the poem paint of the fates of vast and powerful empires?
2. What are some of the ways that great leaders display their pride and power today?
3. Why do people want to be remembered?

A Quick Synopsis of "Ozymandias"

Ozymandias is a sonnet written by British poet Percy Bysshe Shelley. While it is often used as an example of a Petrarchan sonnet, the rhyme scheme is not typical. Shelley was inspired to write "Ozymandias" shortly after the British Museum’s announcement that they would be acquiring and displaying a large portion of the head and torso of a statue of Egypt’s Pharaoh Ramses II, also known as "Ozymandias".

The start of the poem is from the perspective of the narrator, who recounts once meeting a traveler who had stumbled upon Ramses’ statue in the desert. There is nothing much left of the statue: the legs are without a trunk, or torso; the face of the statue lies half-sunken into the sand, its expression one of a “sneer of cold command.” The traveler tells the narrator that he could tell the sculptor once took great pride in this statue, and it is carefully and beautifully crafted.

On the pedestal of the statue, it reads, “My name is Ozymandias, king of kings: Look on my works, ye mighty, and despair!” This declaration is a powerful one, a statue in the desert that surely once stood in front of a mighty empire, built by a powerful pharaoh. However, immediately after this inscription, the narrator states that, “Nothing beside remains.” The irony of what once was, and what exists now, which the narrator describes as “decay”, is not lost on the reader. The narrator ends the sonnet with the description of the sands that stretch far away, barren, into the distance. This once-great ruler established an empire that he thought people would admire for generations; however, as with all great symbols of power built by man, nothing quite lasts forever.

Frequently Asked Questions about Ozymandias by Percy Bysshe Shelley

What is the main theme of 'Ozymandias' by Percy Bysshe Shelley?

The main theme of 'Ozymandias' is the impermanence of human power and achievements. Shelley uses the ruined statue of Ramses II to show that even the greatest leaders and empires inevitably fade away over time.

How can I teach 'Ozymandias' to middle or high school students?

To teach 'Ozymandias', start with a quick synopsis, discuss its historical context, and use activities like analyzing the poem's imagery, irony, and message about pride. Encourage students to connect the poem to modern examples of leadership and legacy.

What literary devices are used in 'Ozymandias'?

'Ozymandias' uses irony, imagery, and symbolism. The poem's sonnet form, the inscription on the pedestal, and descriptions of the ruined statue all reinforce its message about the fleeting nature of power.

Why is the inscription on the statue in 'Ozymandias' considered ironic?

The inscription declares, "Look on my works, ye mighty, and despair!"—yet all that remains is decay and empty desert. This contrast highlights the irony that Ozymandias’s 'great works' have completely disappeared, undermining his boast.

What are some quick classroom activities for teaching 'Ozymandias'?

Quick activities include TPCASTT analysis, creating storyboards or visual representations, comparing the poem’s message to current events, and group discussions on leadership and legacy. These help students engage with the poem’s themes.