Ozymandias was very cruel king. his expressions on the statues shows that he looked down upon the other people.he thought himself to be very powerful. he also thought that no one was as great as he was. .....the frown and wrinkled lip of his statue depict his angry..boastful ..contemptuous nd haughty nature.he got his statue carved as he wanted the world to remember him even after his death.his pride nd arrogance are clearly depicted in the poem.

Ozymandias: A Detailed Character Analysis

Ozymandias is a character from the renowned sonnet of the same name written by Percy Bysshe Shelley. The poem explores the theme of the transience of human power and serves as a commentary on the inevitable downfall of even the most mighty rulers. Ozymandias, also known as Ramses II, was an Egyptian pharaoh who ruled during the 13th century BC. Let's delve deeper into the character of Ozymandias and understand his significance in the poem.

The Arrogant and Overconfident Ruler
Ozymandias is portrayed as an arrogant and overconfident ruler who believes that his power and achievements are invincible and everlasting. The statue of Ozymandias, described in the poem, bears an inscription that proudly proclaims his greatness: "My name is Ozymandias, King of Kings; Look on my Works, ye Mighty, and despair!" This inscription reflects his hubris and his belief that his legacy will endure forever.

The Ephemeral Nature of Power
Despite Ozymandias' grandiose claims, the poem reveals the fleeting nature of power and the inevitable decline of even the most powerful rulers. The statue, once a symbol of his dominance, lies broken and decaying in the desert. The inscription, now ironic, serves as a reminder that nothing lasts forever. This portrayal of Ozymandias highlights the transient nature of human achievements and the insignificance of worldly power in the grand scheme of things.

The Irony and Symbolism
The character of Ozymandias is also significant for the irony and symbolism it represents. Despite his aspirations for immortal fame, Ozymandias is ultimately forgotten by history. The broken statue and the barren desert surrounding it symbolize the passage of time and the oblivion that awaits even the most powerful individuals. This irony serves as a cautionary tale against the dangers of pride and the illusion of immortality.

The Universal Message
Ozymandias, as a character, embodies the broader theme of the poem – the inevitable decline and ultimate insignificance of human power. Through Ozymandias, the poet reminds us that no matter how mighty we may consider ourselves, time erodes everything, leaving only traces of our existence. This universal message resonates with readers and serves as a humbling reminder of the impermanence of human achievements.

In conclusion, Ozymandias is portrayed as an arrogant and overconfident ruler whose legacy crumbles under the weight of time. Through this character, Shelley conveys the universal message that power and greatness are transient, and even the mightiest rulers will eventually be forgotten. Ozymandias serves as a cautionary tale, reminding us of the ephemeral nature of human existence and the futility of seeking immortality through power and dominance.