"Ozymandias" Context Flashcards
(12 cards)
Who wrote “Ozymandias”?
Percy Bysshe Shelley
When was “Ozymandias” written?
1817 published in 1818
What were Shelley’s key beliefs that influence the poem?
He was a Romantic poet and a political radical who opposed tyranny, absolute power, and supported freedom and nature.
What inspired Shelley to write “Ozymandias”?
The discovery of a statue of Pharaoh Ramesses II, also known as Ozymandias, in Egypt—famous for his power and monuments.
Who was “Ozymandias” historically?
Ramesses II, a powerful Egyptian pharaoh known for building grand statues and temples to glorify his rule.
What key idea does the poem convey about power?
Power is temporary—no matter how mighty a ruler is, time and nature will eventually erase all traces of their glory.
How does the poem reflect Romantic values?
It emphasizes the power of nature, the limitations of human achievement, and skepticism toward political authority.
What political message is implied in “Ozymandias”?
Shelley criticizes arrogant rulers and the illusion of eternal power, suggesting all empires will fall.
Why did Shelley use a traveller to tell the story?
To distance himself from the political message and emphasize how legends of power become distant and forgotten.
Why is “Ozymandias” still relevant today?
It reminds us that pride, power, and monuments are not eternal—a warning against political arrogance in any age.
How does the context of Shelley’s time influence “Ozymandias”?
Written during the early 19th century, a time of political upheaval, revolutions, and empire-building, Shelley used Ozymandias to critique powerful rulers and warn that even the greatest empires—like Napoleon’s or Britain’s—would one day crumble and be forgotten.
When was Percy Bysshe Shelley born and when did he die?
He was born in 1792 and died in 1822.(29 Years Old)
