What does the title ‘Ozymandias’ suggest?
something foreign, unknown & large
Who wrote it?
P.B Shelley
What is the poem about overall?
The poem is about an ancient statue of a cruel king which was used to subtly criticise King George III’s reign
Why was the poem written?
Shelley wrote the poem as a personal condemnation of authority
What is the structure of the poem? What does it reflect on?
unconvential sonnet - love of power
iambic pentameter - nature, time & art are constant
What does the rhyme scheme show?
ryhme scheme breaks down & changes - power breaks down & changes
Name the first theme of the poem. Explain.
One theme of the poem is POWER. Reflecting upon the POWER of nature, time & art. Shelley criticises human power & corruption
Name the second theme of the poem. Explain.
A second theme of the poem is TIME. It shows how TIME can change history & people’s perception of things
“vast and trunkless legs of stone”
emphatic imagery
human power doesn’t last & becomes broken
“shattered visage”
violent onamatopeic adjective/ ironic
power of artist & old greed= demolished
“sneer of cold command”
alliteration
human power= destructive & is now demolished
“king of kings”
superlative phrase
narcissism/self important
Shelley criticises realities of human power
“sands stretch far away”
alliteration
Nature is more powerful than man
king’s legacy = not lasted
