Ozymandias

 Brief summary and analysis of poem 

"OZYMANDIAS"

               By

"P.B.SHELLEY"

1) Introduction: "Ozymandias" is a sonnet written by Percy Bysshe Shelley and was first published in 1818. The poem explores the fleeting nature of power and serves as a critique on the inevitable decline of even the most powerful rulers and civilizations.

2) Summary: "Ozymandias" tells the story of a traveler who encounters a vast, shattered statue in the desert. The statue once depicted the mighty Ozymandias, a powerful ruler who believed that he would be remembered forever. However, time and the forces of nature have reduced the statue to ruins. The traveler reflects on the irony of the inscription on the pedestal, which proudly declares, "Look on my works, ye Mighty, and despair!" Despite the grandiosity of Ozymandias' claim, there is nothing left of his empire but sand and decay.

3) Critical Analysis: "Ozymandias" is a highly regarded poem that highlights several key themes. One of the central themes is the assertion of the impermanence of power and the eventual downfall of even the most formidable rulers. Shelley uses vivid imagery to portray the ruins of the statue as a representation of human arrogance and the transient nature of material possessions and achievements.

The colossal statue's ironic inscription serves as a commentary on the folly of excessive pride and the ineffectiveness of power in the face of time. The once powerful Ozymandias is now forgotten and his legacy reduced to rubble. This critique of pride and power reflects Shelley's own political and philosophical views, and his skepticism towards the permanence of authority.

The poem also explores the power of art and literature to transcend time and preserve the memory of past civilizations. Although the statue may have crumbled, the poem itself immortalizes the story of Ozymandias. This emphasis on the endurance of art emphasizes the importance of creativity and the ability to capture the essence of human existence.

Furthermore, the poem provides a deeper commentary on the cycles of history, suggesting that civilizations rise and fall, leaving only fragments behind. The use of the desert setting creates a sense of desolation and serves as a metaphor for the vastness of time that erodes the grandest monuments of power.

Overall, "Ozymandias" offers a profound reflection on the impermanence of power, the folly of pride, the significance of art, and the cycles of history. Its enduring popularity can be attributed to its universal exploration of human nature and its ability to resonate with readers across different time periods.