Themes
English Lit: AQA GCSE Poetry - Power & Conflict, topic 1.1.3
Ephemeral (Human) Power
Ozymandias' power comes to an end. This reflects Shelley's overarching message that human power is ephemeral (temporary). Shelley uses these techniques to emphasise the ephemeral nature of Ozymandias' power:
Ruined statue metaphor
- The ruined statue is a metaphor for political power.
- Just as the face of the statue is “shattered”, “decay[ed]” and a “wreck”, so too is Ozymandias’ power.
Juxtaposition
- The juxtaposition (placing two things together for comparison or contrast) of “colossal” and “wreck” emphasises the contrast between his former power and his current state.
Caesura
- The caesura (break in the line) after “remains” in line 12 highlights how Ozymandias’ power has come to an end.
Negative Portrayal of Ozymandias
Shelley portrays Ozymandias negatively to show his dislike for corrupt rulers and the abuse of power. He uses these literary devices to do so:
Negative language
- The language used to describe the ruler is deeply negative. For example, “frown”, “sneer”, “wrinkled”, “stamped”.
- This reflects the poet’s own feelings towards the king and those who rule in a cruel manner.
Alliteration
- The use of sound in the poem contributes to the speaker’s distaste towards Ozymandias.
- For example, the alliteration of the harsh ‘c’ and ‘b’ sound in “cold command” and “boundless and bare”.
Ozymandias
Ozymandias, who represents corrupt rulers and the misuse of power, is characterised as arrogant, proud and boastful. Shelley uses the following techniques to characterise Ozymandias in this way:
Imperative language
- The imperative verb “look” indicates how controlling the king was.
Repetition
- The repetition of "king" in “king of kings” shows how Ozymandias wished to portray himself as omnipotent (all- powerful).
- It suggests he is trying to deify himself (make himself a god) and wants to be worshipped as one.
Test yourself on Themes
Which 2 words does Shelley juxtapose (place next to each other for effect) to emphasise that human power is temporary?
Which techniques does Shelley use to portray Ozymandias negatively?
Which of these is NOT a quote from Ozymandias using alliteration?
What's the technique used in the quote "look!" in Ozymandias?
What techniques are used to characterise Ozymandias as arrogant, proud and boastful?