2.3.4 - Ozymandias of Egypt by Percy Bysshe Shelly

Book Back Questions

1. What inferences does the narrator make about Ozymandias from the way the face of the statue looks?

From the face of the broken statue, the narrator infers that Ozymandias was a cruel and proud tyrant. The face shows a “frown,” a “wrinkled lip,” and a “cold command.” These expressions suggest anger, arrogance, and dictatorship. The sculptor understood the ruler’s nature and carved his ruthless character clearly on the stone. The sneer on the face shows that Ozymandias looked down on others and enjoyed his power. Even though the statue is now shattered and half-buried in the desert, the face still reveals the emperor’s bad temper and heartless attitude. Thus, the narrator understands that Ozymandias was an autocratic ruler.

2. Based on the information in the poem, who was Ozymandias?

Ozymandias was a legendary king and a powerful tyrant of ancient times. He was an autocratic ruler who believed his power was permanent. He called himself the “king of kings” and wanted people to admire his great works and authority. He built a huge statue to make himself immortal. However, now only broken pieces of that statue remain in the vast desert. His empire and glory have completely disappeared. The poem does not focus on his historical details but shows his proud and dictatorial character. Ozymandias represents tyrant rulers whose power fades with time. His downfall reminds us that even the mightiest kings cannot escape death and decay.

3. What is the main idea of the poem “Ozymandias”?

The main idea of the poem “Ozymandias” is that no power or glory lasts forever. Shelley shows the downfall of a proud tyrant king whose statue lies broken and forgotten in the desert. Ozymandias believed he was the “king of kings” and thought his achievements would remain permanent. But time has destroyed everything. Only a “colossal wreck” is left behind. The poem mocks the foolish pride of rulers who think they are immortal. It carries an anti-tyrannical message and warns that all empires, leaders, and human achievements are time-bound. The poem reminds us that even great kings are defeated by time.

4. How does the narrator feel about the king in “Ozymandias”?

The narrator feels ironic and critical about Ozymandias. He does not admire the king’s pride but shows how foolish his arrogance was. The broken statue in the desert proves that the king’s power has completely vanished. The narrator notices the harsh expressions on the statue’s face, such as the frown and cold command, which reveal the king’s cruel nature. The inscription on the pedestal sounds proud, but the empty desert around it creates strong irony. The narrator understands that Ozymandias was a tyrant who believed his authority would last forever. Through this scene, the narrator indirectly mocks the king’s presumption.

5. How can the poem “Ozymandias” be related to contemporary culture?

The poem “Ozymandias” can be related to contemporary culture because it warns about the temporary nature of political power. Even modern tyrants and autocratic leaders may think their rule will last forever, but time brings downfall to all. The poem shows that nothing remains permanent, not even great empires or monuments. Ozymandias wanted to be remembered through his statue, but now it is only a ruined relic in the desert. This reflects how rulers who torture others will also face decay and death. The poem gives hope that oppression will not last. Thus, the message is still relevant in today’s world.