Whats the theme of the poem Ozymandias by Percy Bysshe Shelley ?

Question

Whats the theme of the poem Ozymandias by Percy Bysshe  Shelley ?

Answer

The poem 'OZYAMDIAS' reminds powerful people that their power is only temporary.,,, However much powerful people may wish to think that their power is immortal, they are only deceiving themselves...

Answer

Theme:-The poem revolves around the foolish pride of an arrogant king whose statue symbolises the destruction caused by the time . It brings out the temporary nature of life and it's pretentious of fame and fortune. This poem reveals the truth that the power of arrogant people fails to permently continue their name and fame.

Answer

The Theme of the Poem Ozymandias by Percy Bysshe Shelley

The theme of the poem 'Ozymandias' by Percy Bysshe Shelley revolves around the transient nature of power, the inevitable decay of all things, and the ultimate insignificance of human achievements in the face of time.

The Transient Nature of Power
The poem begins by introducing a traveler who encounters a broken statue in the desert. The statue, once an imposing monument to a powerful ruler named Ozymandias, now lies in ruins. This serves as a powerful metaphor for the fleeting nature of power and how even the mightiest of rulers will eventually be forgotten. It shows that no matter how powerful or influential a person is during their lifetime, their power will eventually fade away.

The Inevitable Decay of All Things
The poem emphasizes the passage of time and the gradual decay of human creations. The shattered statue and the inscription on its pedestal, which boast of the ruler's greatness and power, are now all that remain. This decay symbolizes the inevitable decline and destruction of empires, civilizations, and even individuals. It highlights the temporary nature of human accomplishments and the impermanence of fame and glory.

The Ultimate Insignificance of Human Achievements
Through the description of the statue's ruined state, the poet underscores the insignificance of human achievements in the grand scheme of things. The once proud and powerful ruler is now reduced to a lifeless, broken statue, buried in the sand. This suggests that no matter how much power or influence one may possess, it is ultimately inconsequential and will be forgotten over time. The poem serves as a reminder of the impermanence of human existence and the futility of pursuing power and material wealth.

The Contrast Between Past and Present
The traveler's description of the statue and the inscription highlights the stark contrast between the past glory of Ozymandias and the present reality. The vast, empty desert serves as a metaphor for the emptiness and insignificance of the ruler's achievements. The contrast serves to emphasize the transient nature of power and the inevitable decline of all things.

In conclusion, the poem 'Ozymandias' by Percy Bysshe Shelley explores themes of the transient nature of power, the inevitable decay of all things, and the ultimate insignificance of human achievements. Through vivid imagery and contrasting descriptions, the poet conveys the idea that power and glory are fleeting, and the passage of time diminishes the significance of even the mightiest rulers.

Similar Class 10 Doubts

pedestain Related: Chapter 10 - Ozymandias by Percy Bysshe Shelley, English Class 10 (Summary in Hindi)

What is the theme of poem ozymandias.?

Central idea of theme of ozymandias?

What is irony in the poem Ozymandias?

Needed a Test for ozymandis? Related: Ozymandias - Class 10 English by Utkarsh Rai

Top Courses for Class 10View all

Science Class 10

Social Studies (SST) Class 10

Mathematics (Maths) Class 10

English Grammar Advanced

English Grammar Basic

Top Courses for Class 10

Top Courses for Class 10

Suggested Free Tests

Related Content

About Class 10

Class 10 Study Material

Class 10 All Subjects

NCERT Textbook Solutions

Other Classes

Important Links

Company