Question 1: What is the historical or mythological reference behind the figure of Ozymandias, and how does this influence your understanding of the poem?

Answer: Ozymandias refers to a pharaoh of ancient Egypt, symbolizing absolute power, which Shelley uses to explore the fleeting nature of such power.

Question 1: Analyze the meaning of the line: 'Two vast and trunkless legs of stone / Stand in the desert.' What imagery is created and what might it symbolize?

Answer: The 'vast' legs suggest the size of Ozymandias’s statue, symbolizing his former power; their trunkless state indicates decay and the impermanence of human achievements.

Question 2: What does the 'shattered visage' suggest about the legacy of Ozymandias?

Answer: It suggests that Ozymandias’s reputation and power have crumbled over time, emphasizing the transient nature of human authority.

Question 1: Quote explosion: 'My name is Ozymandias, king of kings: / Look on my works, ye Mighty, and despair!' What is the effect of this boastful statement, and how does Shelley use irony here?

Answer: The quote shows Ozymandias's arrogance, but the irony lies in the fact that his 'works' are now ruined, highlighting the futility of such pride and the impermanence of power.

Question 2: Identify metaphors used in the poem and explain how they contribute to the meaning.

Answer: Metaphors like 'colossal wreck' symbolize the inevitable decline of even the greatest empires, reinforcing themes of decay and the impermanence of human achievement.

Question 1: Discuss how the theme of power is portrayed in 'Ozymandias'. How does the poem challenge the idea of lasting authority?

Answer: Shelley presents power as temporary and ultimately futile through the ruined statue and the boastful inscription, suggesting that all human achievements are subject to decay, challenging the notion of eternal authority.

Question 1: Describe the structure of 'Ozymandias'. How does Shelley’s use of sonnet form influence the poem's impact?

Answer: Although a sonnet, the poem’s irregular rhyme scheme and enjambment create a sense of chaos and decay, reinforcing the theme of the impermanence of power.

Question 1: What similarities and differences would you highlight when comparing the portrayal of power in these two poems?

Answer: Both poems depict the corrupting influence of power, but 'Ozymandias' emphasizes its fleeting nature, while 'My Last Duchess' shows personal pride and control over reputation.

Question 1: Outline your main points, including references to language devices, structure, and themes.

Answer: Introduction: Shelley’s critique of hubris. Main points: The imagery of decay ('shattered visage', 'colossal wreck'), the irony of the inscription, the sonnet form juxtaposed with chaos, and the overarching theme that all human power is transient. Conclusion: Shelley’s message about humility and the passage of time.