Flashcards on Ozymandias and Percy Shelley

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Brief summary of "Ozymandias"

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The poem concerns the discovery of a semi-destroyed and decaying statue of Ramesses II, also known as Ozymandias, and shows how power deteriorates and will not last forever.

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Synopsis of "Ozymandias"

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- Report from a stranger of a statue in a desert - Statue is falling apart and decaying - The sculptor portrays the cruelty of the king - King's pedestal claims he was "king of kings" – shows his arrogance - Irony of his claims when the statue is surrounded by endless featureless desert

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Context of Percy Shelley

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Percy Shelley (1772-1822) was a radical, romantic poet, anti-monarchy, pacifist, atheist, anti-religion, and supported social justice. He was inspired by the French Revolution and expelled from Oxford for publishing an atheist pamphlet.

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Romantic Era characteristics

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Focus on the subjective and emotional, contrasting with enlightenment values. Writers emphasized nature, the sublime, and repurposed old literary conventions to reject institutions of power and spread political messages.

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Historical influences in "Ozymandias"

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The poem references Ramesses II, an Egyptian pharaoh from 1279-1239 BC, believed to be involved in Moses’ exodus. He used the throne name “Ozymandias” and is the subject of the poem.

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Summary of "Ozymandias"

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- Context: Radical romantic poet, anti-monarchy - Structure: Irregular rhyme scheme, single stanza - Form: Sonnet combining Petrarchan and Shakespearean lines - Language: Alliteration, symbolism of desert and sand - Key idea: Human power is transient but art will survive

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King George III's impact on Shelley's poem

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King George III reigned longer than any king before, engaged in military conflicts, and was remembered for oppression and tyranny. He is considered an inspiration for the tyrant in "Ozymandias."

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Shelley's poem "Ozymandias"

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"Ozymandias" explores conflict through a statue in the desert, symbolizing the decay of power and the idea that power will not last forever.

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Themes in "Ozymandias"

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The poem discusses power, conflict, and the transient nature of memory and art, highlighting that impressive exploits may be forgotten over time.

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Role of art and words in "Ozymandias"

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The poem emphasizes the enduring power of art and words, as part of the statue and its inscription remain, even if Ozymandias is forgotten.