Monday, February 7, 2011

What are the main points to remember about the poem "Ozymandias"?

I would say that the transitory nature of existence is one
of the critical points from the poem.  The ruler Ozymandias, self described as the "king
of kings," is one whose statue is in a decrepit condition, set in a barren land.  The
notion here is that during his rule, people might have seen him as a powerful king. 
Ozymandias might have even seen himself as one of these rulers.  Yet, the possession of
political power does not guarantee political immortality.  Rulers cannot be measured by
solely their success when they rule, but must be assessed on the grounds of what they
have done to ensure that their rule is lasting.  At the same time, this can be broadened
to anyone who seeks immortality for its own end.  All artists could be subject to the
fate of Ozymandias, seeking immortality in this life, but not accomplishing it after
their time has passed.

No comments:

Post a Comment

In Act III, scene 2, why may the establishment of Claudius's guilt be considered the crisis of the revenge plot?

The crisis of a drama usually proceeds and leads to the climax.  In Shakespeare's Hamlet , the proof that Claudius is guilty...