Ozymandias words for eternity essay

Question 2: Ozymandias’ angry, cruel “passions” (line 6) were so evident and strong that it was easy for the sculptor to capture them in their entirety for eternity. The irony that the passions, so strong and full of life, remain only due to a “lifeless thing” (line 7) is emphasised by the juxtaposition of the two contrasting words.

What does remain of Ozymandias’ arrogance and dominion is what the artist recorded by carving into the stone. Art has endured and served as tool to preserve the history of mankind. The statue has remained causing the sculptor to become more ‘powerful’ than Ozymandias himself.

Ozymandias aimed to intimidate mighty warriors as well, he wanted to awe them with his power this is shown with the words “ye mighty and despair” (line 11). The engraved words on the pedestal and the sheer enormity of the statue; seem to be intended to spark fear and dread in those who see it. Anyone compared to him is nothing, and worth nothing.

The statue is described as having “two vast and trunkless legs” (line 2) inspiring the reader to comprehend Ozymandias’ power; he was so mighty that no-one could even measure his “vast” power. The reader is led to understand that Ozymandias was an arrogant, cruel leader with the words: “frown” (line 4), “wrinkled lip” and “sneer” (line 5).