How do you understand the sonnet "Ozymandias"? I read it once and all I get is a literal understanding.

Question

I'm really bored now and had nothing to do..so I read that sonnet. I think the author was Shelly-something. Anyways, how do YOU understand it? Analyze. Now, don't just copy paste from wikipedia (I already read there but didn't quite get much information) coz I want YOUR analysis.

P.S.

I always give 5 stars for best answers.

Answer 1

To understand the poem, you must understand the poet and the subject. In this case, since you've already read the "wikipedia" text, you already know about the connection of Ramsses II to Ozymandias. To further this thought, you should know that although not a Freemason himself, Shelly certainly knew many of its symbols and symbolism, which is why his poem differs from Smith in the number of "legs" which remain in the desert; Smith said one leg, Shelly says "2". The number is not important, but what the two legs/pillars represent was not lost on Shelly and there is alagory there. Additionally, the dual meaning of certain words such as "mock", especially back in Shelly's day where the current meaning, although more popular, had not completely replaced the former and would have more readily been seen as being a double-entendre. Also, the fact that the statue is "sneering" tells you much about the person it represents, and if you have seen the actual statue of Ramsses, the statue does NOT sneer...this is an addition Shelly made to amplify what he believed to be the "way of kings", the inner contempt for the comman man and outward vanity at accomplishments that could not have been achieved without those same ones he held with such contempt and disregard. So, what he is saying is not just "this too shall pass away", but "not only will you pass, but the memory of you will pass, and the dust that composed your works will pass as dust in the wind until nothing remains but broken shards...and those shards were made by those you held in contempt, meaning "their" works outlived your own, and your name will become as meaningless as dust to those who will NOT tremble at your name, because they don't know who you are." My previous comment regarding freemasonry has to do with the "pillars" which represent King Solomon's temple, another allusion to past works thought to survive the ages that have fallen far short of that goal.
Lastly, it wasn't lost on Shelly that Ozymandias is the "uncommon" name for Ramsses. Had he used "Ramsses" the poem would not have had the same impact, because Ramsses "is" remembered by his works and his name has NOT been forgotten...whereas the other name, has passed into the shadows of history.

Answer 2

Ozymandias Poem Summary

Answer 3

Ozymandias Summary

Answer 4

Well the literal understanding you have is fairly close to the point. The Narrator talks about a traveller who sees a sunken statue The poem deals with human hubris, and how greatness will not endure. The narrator sees this ruined area with a statue of this mighty lord Ozymandius who is no more. All that is left at the end is lone and level sand. The great works of man though potent in their time will not last. It is this irony that the poem points to.

Answer 5

The literal meaning is easy. The only thing that looks like it has been missed is the role of the artist/artisan. Even broken in two and hidden in the sand, the art survives. It outlasts glory and kingdoms. For other poems with a similar theme-- I reccomend Sailing to Byzantium (talks about the frailty of life and hints at the eternal of art)

Answer 6

This poem pretty much only has a literal meaning. There's really nothing underneath. It's just teaching about how pride is worthless and how really proud people don't get remembered.

Answer 7

perhaps this poem refers to the fact that even though he might have been a great king , he;s still insignificant when placed against time , which itself is immense like a desert . His fallen head represents his loss .