Ozymandias (TOP 5)

Question 1

Ozymandias (Context)

Answer 1

Shelly was a romantic poet who believed in power of nature and spiritual connection to it.

He was also anti-monarchy and a pacifist

Question 2

Ozymandias (Quote 1)

Answer 2

“Half sunk, a shattered visage lies”

Irony: King’s hubris and vanity in his “visage” leads him to commission a statue, that instead of reflecting his desired image embodies cruelty and indifference. Diction on shattered symbolises collapse and decay of tyrannical authority. scathing criticism of authority.

Question 3

Ozymandias (Quote 2)

Answer 3

“Lone and level sands” “Nothing beside remains”

Emphasises vast and mighty extent of nature. contrasts from human power’s futility and natures transcendent power. Metaphor of the passage of time. Statue becomes engulfed by sands, parallels Ozymandias’ memory being gradually obscured by relentless march of time

Question 4

Ozymandias (Form)

Answer 4

Mix of petrarchan and Shakespearean sonnet mirrors Ozymandias’ love and obsession for himself due to his hubris. Alternatively, this ridicules lack of love Ozymandias’ people had due to his tyrannical and callous rule.

Iambic pentameter is used as a motif of control, to demonstrate frightful regularity of oppression by those in power on those they rule. Suggests they are constrained by the tyrant that rules them.

Question 5

Ozymandias links

Answer 5

Identity: London
Human control/power: London
Power of Nature: Exposure
Memories: Tissue

Question 6

Ozymandias (structure)

Answer 6

enjambment portrays illusion of freedom under tyrants reign/human desire to be free

end stops symbolise transient human power which is curtailed by natures omnipotence