| Name | Ozymandias |
| Subject | English |
| Class | 10th |
| Type | Poem |
| Author | Percy Bysshe Shelley |
Introduction
“Ozymandias” is a famous sonnet by Percy Bysshe Shelley, written in 1818. It reflects on the transience of power and the ultimate futility of human ambition through the depiction of a broken statue of the powerful King Ozymandias in the desert. The poem’s enduring popularity is a testament to its relevance and the timelessness of its themes.
English Summary – “Ozymandias”
“Ozymandias” is a sonnet written by Percy Bysshe Shelley in 1818. The poem is one of Shelley’s most famous works and is considered a classic of English literature. The title “Ozymandias” is derived from the Greek name for the ancient Egyptian Pharaoh Ramses II, who was also known as Ozymandias.
The poem describes a traveler who comes across a statue in the desert and reflects on its once mighty and powerful appearance. The statue is of Ozymandias, a powerful king who ruled over a vast empire. However, now the statue is nothing but a ruin, lying broken in the desert sands. The inscription on the base of the statue reads “My name is Ozymandias, King of Kings; Look on my Works, ye Mighty, and despair!”
The traveler notes the irony of the inscription as the once mighty empire has now crumbled and been reduced to nothing but ruins. The statue serves as a symbol of the fleeting nature of power and the ultimate futility of human ambition. The traveler muses that the mighty Ozymandias has been reduced to nothing but a forgotten relic, his once grand empire reduced to a pile of rubble in the desert.
The poem highlights the theme of the transience of power and the fleeting nature of human greatness. It suggests that no matter how powerful and mighty a ruler may be, they will eventually be forgotten and their legacy will fade away. The poem is often interpreted as a commentary on the dangers of pride and the futility of striving for power and wealth.
The poem is written in sonnet form, with 14 lines and a strict rhyme scheme. The rhyming scheme of “Ozymandias” is ABAB CDCD EFEF GG, which is a variation of the traditional English sonnet form. The poem is written in iambic pentameter, with each line having 10 syllables and a stress-unstress pattern. This contributes to the poem’s sense of timelessness and its ability to endure as a classic of English literature.
About The Author
Percy Bysshe Shelley was an English Romantic poet, born in 1792. He was a major figure in the Romantic movement and is considered one of the greatest poets in the English language. Shelley was known for his radical political views and his passionate defense of individual freedom and liberty. He wrote several influential poems including “Ode to the West Wind,” “To a Skylark,” and “Prometheus Unbound.” Despite his early death at the age of 29, Shelley’s poetry continues to inspire and influence generations of readers and writers.
Conclusion – “Ozymandias”
In conclusion, “Ozymandias” is a timeless poem that reflects on the transience of power and the ultimate futility of human ambition. Its strict rhyme scheme and iambic pentameter contribute to its timelessness, and its themes continue to be relevant and thought-provoking. The poem is a testament to the enduring legacy of Percy Bysshe Shelley and his place as one of the greatest poets in the English language. “Ozymandias” serves as a powerful reminder of the fleeting nature of human greatness and the dangers of pride and ambition.
FAQs:
What is the poem “Ozymandias” about?
“Ozymandias” is a sonnet written by Percy Bysshe Shelley in 1818. It describes a traveler who comes across the ruins of a once mighty statue of a king, Ozymandias, who was renowned for his power and greatness. The statue is now reduced to a shattered and weathered state, with only the legs remaining and the face lying on the ground. The poem reflects on the fleeting nature of human power and glory and the ultimate futility of pride and ambition.
What is the main theme of “Ozymandias”?
Ans: The main theme of “Ozymandias” is the transitory nature of human power and the futility of pride and ambition. The poem reflects on the inevitability of time and its impact on the legacies of even the greatest of rulers and empires.
Who is Ozymandias in the poem?
Ans: Ozymandias is the name of a powerful and renowned king mentioned in the poem. He is the sculptor of the statue described in the poem, which has now become a shattered ruin.
Who is the speaker in “Ozymandias”?
Ans: The speaker in “Ozymandias” is a traveler who comes across the ruins of the statue of Ozymandias and reflects on the power and greatness of the king and the statue’s eventual decline and destruction.
What is the mood of “Ozymandias”?
Ans: The mood of “Ozymandias” is melancholic and meditative. The speaker reflects on the fleeting nature of human power and the inevitability of decline, and the mood of the poem is characterized by a sense of sadness and loss.