Question 1: What is the significance of the setting in the opening lines of the poem?

Answer: The setting introduces a vast desert which symbolizes the passage of time and the insignificance of human achievements.

Question 2: Identify and analyze the use of imagery in the description of the statue.

Answer: Shelley uses vivid imagery like 'shattered visage' to highlight the decay of power. The broken statue serves as a metaphor for the inevitable decline of all leaders.

Question 3: Explain the use of irony in the poem.

Answer: The irony lies in the boastful inscription on the pedestal that contrasts with the ruined state of the statue, highlighting the transient nature of power.

Question 4: Zoom in on the phrase 'The lone and level sands stretch far away.' How does this contribute to the poem's theme?

Answer: The 'lone and level sands' symbolize eternity and the relentless passage of time, emphasizing the insignificance and temporary nature of human power.

Question 5: Discuss how Shelley uses the sonnet form to convey his message.

Answer: Shelley's use of the sonnet form, traditionally associated with love, creates a stark contrast to the poem's theme of decay and ruin. This juxtaposition enhances the poem's irony and underscores the ephemeral nature of human achievements.

Question 6: How does Shelley’s portrayal of Ozymandias compare to the depiction of the Duke in 'My Last Duchess'?

Answer: Both Ozymandias and the Duke are portrayed as powerful figures, yet their arrogance leads to their downfall. While Ozymandias's legacy is a decaying statue, the Duke's power is undermined by his need to control and objectify his deceased wife, revealing his moral corruption.

Question 7: Identify the use of personification in the poem and its impact.

Answer: The 'sneer of cold command' is personification that gives the statue's visage a human-like quality, highlighting the arrogance and hubris of Ozymandias.

Question 8: What is the effect of the traveller’s narrative frame in the poem?

Answer: The narrative frame distances the reader from Ozymandias, emphasizing the legend-like quality of the story and the detachment of time.

Question 9: Analyze how power is depicted in 'Ozymandias'.

Answer: Power in 'Ozymandias' is depicted as transient and ultimately futile. The decaying statue serves as a powerful symbol of the inevitable decline of all rulers, suggesting that human pride is ephemeral.

Question 10: Plan an essay comparing the themes of power and control in 'Ozymandias' and 'My Last Duchess'.

Answer: Introduction: Introduce both poems and their authors. Discuss the contexts. Body Paragraph 1: Analyze the theme of power in 'Ozymandias'. Body Paragraph 2: Analyze the theme of power in 'My Last Duchess'. Comparison: Compare how both poems depict the transient nature of power. Conclusion: Summarize findings and discuss the implications of the poets' views on power.