Essay Poetry

Ozymandias

In the poem "Ozymandias," by Percy Bysshe Shelley, the author demonstrates strong imagery that focus on the statue. Shelley's key to this poem is the concept of decaying power that can be seen through the statue. The theme of political tyranny is enhanced by the strong use of imagery.

The imagery appeals to authority or source of power. "...and sneer of cold command, Tell that its sculptor well those passions read which yet survive..." (Shelley Lines 5-7). The author is pointing his words to a figure of "command" that has been corruptive in duty. Although the statue has been long destroyed, the leader hopes that their reign and influence will carry on. In this case, the downfall has been accredited to the authority. Just as the statue is decaying, so is their grasp of supremacy. "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,..." (Shelley Lines 2-5) All of these descriptive adjectives paint a picture of the statue. These key words such as, "half sunk, shattered, frown, wrinkled, etc." are acclimated to the visual sense. This gives that reader a clear picture of what the statue appeared to be.

Within the imagery is a clear theme that flows throughout the poem. This idea of corruption and decay is an eminent pattern. The imagery begins with the visual aspects of the statue, all of which are aiming toward erosion. This theme then is prevalent in the views of its creator. "The hand that mocked them and the heart that fed. And on the pedestal these words appear --"My name is Ozymandias, king of kings: Look on my works, ye Mighty, and despair!"" (Shelley Lines 8-11) The statue is an obvious symbol of unjust power. From this, the reader can draw negative conclusions towards "Ozymandias."

The use of this strong imagery brings out the authors mood. "Nothing beside remains. Round the decay, Of that colossal wreck, boundless and bare, The lone and level sands stretch far away." (Shelley Lines 12-14) The mood is directed to justice and how the human power is cyclical. Humans were influenced to create the statue after the leader and then the statue is destroyed along with the person of power. This meaning the cycle of power always comes to an end, literally and figuratively. This mood creates an image of reign always coming to an end.