1. Who is the persona in "Ozymandias," and what is the dramatic situation? 2. What examples of imagery and symbolism can you find in "Ozymandias"? 3. How does the diction contribute to the tone of the poem? 4. What type of poetry is "Ozymandias"? Explain. 5. How do the features of the poem enhance its emotional or thematic impact?
Answer (1)
1. The speaker meets a traveler who tells a story about seeing the ruins of a statue in the desert. The dramatic situation is a reflection on how even the greatest empires fall.2. Imagery and symbolism examples: “Two vast and trunkless legs of stone” = ruined power “Sneer of cold command” = pride/arrogance “Lone and level sands” = time erasing legacy3. Words like “shattered,” “decay,” “colossal wreck” create a tone of irony and reflect the fall of pride and empire.4. A sonnet (14 lines), written in a Petrarchan/Italian form with a twist of irony.5. It shows the fragility of power and the arrogance of rulers who think they are immortal. The poem leaves readers with awe and humility.
