Ozymandias: A Study

Written by Percy Bysshe Shelley Essay by Sanger Rainsford

Setting in Ozymandias
The setting of Ozymandias is a desolate wasteland Deserts represent the sands of time and the expanse of time before and after Ozymandias. The Egyptian desert is used because of both its monuments and the fact that it is an antique land = a mysterious setting A desert is lifeless, showing that nothing really lasts forever.

Imagery in Ozymandias
Imagery used most when describing the kings statue Two vast and trunkless legs of stone stand alone in the desert. Statue is trunkless= missing midsection and heart Poem includes hand, face, and legs. Ozymandias looks complete/passionate and driven Although he has strong character, he has no compassion Shattered face = powerful but not intelligent= forgettable

Half-sunk, a shattered visage lies

The shattered face is important because it shows Ozymandias lack of character.

Why Ozymandias is Still Relevant

Ozymandias is a poem that warns against pride Pride= refusal to accept that you will be forgotten Time is unstoppable and does not discriminate Fame= temporary for people who are not genuinely special Fame= long-lasting for people with real gifts to humanity

Two vast and trunkless legs of stone Stand in the desert.

This is a picture of two legs in Amarillo, Texas Legs constructed to honor Shelleys poem Legs important to story because they prove the existence of Ozymandias Also represent the loss of midsection/heart