Analysing the concept of power in Shelley's 'Ozymandias'
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can explore how Shelley uses language and structure to convey his key messages about power.
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.
Teacher tip
Model the way to decode rhyme schemes when you are on slide 12.
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
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.In 'Ozymandias', what power does Shelley suggest doesn't last forever?
Q2.In the poem 'Ozymandias', the voice of Ozymandias is...
Q3.What semantic field is used in the poem 'Ozymandias' and what does it show?
Q4.How does the quote ''sneer of cold command'' from 'Ozymandias' depict a tyrannical leader?
Q5.The poem 'Ozymandias' can be seen as...
Q6.What is ironic in the poem 'Ozymandias'?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What does Shelley emphasise the power of in 'Ozymandias'?
Q2.What technique does Shelley use to emphasise nature's power at the end of 'Ozymandias'?
Q3.Which line taken from Shelley's 'Ozymandias' uses irony?
Q4.Which is true regarding Shelley's use of the sonnet form in the poem 'Ozymandias'?
Q5.Why might Shelley have subverted the traditional sonnet form when writing 'Ozymandias'?
Q6.Which line marks the volta of the sonnet 'Ozymandias' and why is it significant?
To help you plan your 10 English lesson on: Analysing the concept of power in Shelley's 'Ozymandias', download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 10 English lesson on: Analysing the concept of power in Shelley's 'Ozymandias', download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 4 English lessons from the Poetry anthology (Assessment until summer 2026) unit, dive into the full secondary English curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.