Ozymandias Poem Analysis
The Futility of Power: Analyzing "Ozymandias"Introduction
"Ozymandias" is a sonnet written by Percy Bysshe Shelley, first published in 1818. The poem explores the themes of impermanence, the passage of time, and the ultimate futility of human ambition. It tells the story of a ruined statue of a once-great king, Ozymandias, whose powerful empire has long since crumbled into oblivion. In this article, we will analyze the poem's themes, structure, and language, and examine how Shelley masterfully conveys the transient nature of power and human achievements.
Theme: The Impermanence of Power
The central theme of "Ozymandias" is the impermanence of power and the ultimate insignificance of human ambition in the face of time. The poem describes the shattered remains of a statue of Ozymandias, a once-mighty ruler whose empire has vanished, leaving nothing but a desolate wasteland:
"Nothing beside remains. Round the decay
Of that colossal wreck, boundless and bare
The lone and level sands stretch far away." (lines 12-14)
These lines emphasize the ephemerality of Ozymandias's power and the passage of time that has reduced his once-great kingdom to a barren landscape. The poem serves as a powerful reminder that even the mightiest of rulers and their accomplishments are ultimately destined to be forgotten.
Structure: The Sonnet Form
"Ozymandias" is written in the form of a sonnet, a 14-line poem traditionally associated with themes of love, beauty, and the passage of time. Shelley's use of the sonnet form is a deliberate choice, as it underscores the poem's central theme of impermanence. The poem follows a slightly irregular rhyme scheme (ABABACDCEDEFEF) and is composed of an octave (the first eight lines) and a sestet (the final six lines). This structure allows Shelley to present a vivid image of the ruined statue in the octave and then comment on its significance in the sestet.
Language and Imagery: A Vivid Portrait of Ruin
Shelley's use of language and imagery in "Ozymandias" is both vivid and evocative, painting a haunting picture of the statue's decay and the ultimate futility of human ambition:
"Two vast and trunkless legs of stone
Stand in the desert... Near them, on the sand,
Half sunk, a shattered visage lies, whose frown,
And wrinkled lip, and sneer of cold command,
Tell that its sculptor well those passions read
Which yet survive, stamped on these lifeless things," (lines 2-7)
These lines describe the broken statue with striking detail, emphasizing the ravages of time and the erosion of Ozymandias's power. The irony of the inscription on the pedestal – "My name is Ozymandias, King of Kings; / Look on my Works, ye Mighty, and despair!" (lines 10-11) – underscores the futility of the king's boast, as his works have long since crumbled to dust.
Conclusion
"Ozymandias" is a powerful exploration of the impermanence of power and the ultimate insignificance of human ambition in the face of time. Through its vivid imagery, masterful use of the sonnet form, and poignant language, Shelley's poem serves as a stark reminder that even the mightiest of rulers and their accomplishments are destined to fade away. The poem invites readers to reflect on the transitory nature of power and the importance of cultivating values that transcend the material world.