Ozymandias

A poem by Percy Bysshe Shelley

Title

The name Ozymandias has the meaning of a great ruler that once lived. A ruler who once instilled much fear into his enemies. A ruler who was also deemed successful. This seemingly extravagant name fits with the meaning. 

Paraphrasing 

The author places the reader in a desert in front of this huge statue that fell over. The author also explained the features of this enormous sculpture and their significance. The sneer of this ruthless leader,but was kind enough to take care of his people. Then there is an interjection, placed by Shelley, from this king, Ozymandias. He roars his, mighty accomplishments and how awesome he is. Then the author pulls the reader back as he pans out and the view of the desert once again becomes clear to the reader. 

Connotation

Pedestal: the statue was literally on a pedestal, but as royalty so was Ozymandias. He most likely lived a lifestyle of lavishness and jaded decadence. 

Decay: the statue was falling apart therefore it was in a state of decay, but this word has a more negative connotation as it is after Ozymandias's period of rule and his entire empire is in a state of decay and is not remembered.

Attitude

The authors attitude toward this piece at a glance is eulogistic, in the sense that it reminisces on Ozymandias. After reading it a couple times it is clear that the author didn't intend the reader to take this from the piece but one of short-mind. The author sees the successes of this ruler as a thing of the past in the vast expanses of this hot and sandy wasteland of history. 

Shift

The initial part of the story focuses on the qualities of the king and how he was a mighty man of boastful talent and chilling ruthlessness. Ozymandias then becomes just rubble in the Egyptian desert.

As the other implies that this reign was so long ago that its accomplishments mean nothing. 

Title

The title is is just a portrayal of something that used to be, something that used to be grand, something that used to be historic. The authors use of Ozymandias is ironic, because the author describes the excellent qualities of Ramees II (Ozymandias) then proceeds to marginalize him.

Theme
Even if tremendous accomplishments were made in the past it is okay to disregard them and focus on the future.