Analysing the concept of power in Shelley's 'Ozymandias'
I can explore how Shelley uses language and structure to convey his key messages about power.
Analysing the concept of power in Shelley's 'Ozymandias'
I can explore how Shelley uses language and structure to convey his key messages about power.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Breaking the sonnet form reflects the way that human power and man-made structures can be disrupted and destroyed.
- Shelley uses symbolic adjectives to emphasise the temporary nature of political and human power and achievements.
- The alliterative final imagery reinforces the insignificance of rulers compared with the desert sands.
- The ironic quoting of Ozymandias’ words demonstrates the meaninglessness of his legacy and his weakness.
Keywords
Sonnet - a poem of fourteen lines, usually focusing on love
Alliteration - when two or more words near each other start with the same sound
Ironic - happening in a way contrary to what is expected
Petrarchan - describing a sonnet used by the Italian poet Petrarch in the 1300s
Common misconception
The form of poem an author might choose means little to the message
Poets pick their forms carefully, as we can see in 'Ozymandias' even the slight tweaking of form can impact the reading of the poem and its meaning.
Equipment
You will need access to a copy of the AQA Power and Conflict poetry anthology for this lesson.
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Lesson video
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