Understanding the poem 'Ozymandias'
I can explain how Shelley presents the values of Romanticism in 'Ozymandias'.
Understanding the poem 'Ozymandias'
I can explain how Shelley presents the values of Romanticism in 'Ozymandias'.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Shelley was a Romantic poet who rejected monarchy, religion and other powerful institutions.
- ‘Ozymandias’ reflects Romanticism e.g. awe of nature, emotion, rejection of human power, fascination with the past.
- The poem reflects the power of pharaonic Egypt, which seemed eternal but fell to ruin.
- ‘Ozymandias’ can be read as a criticism of individuals and institutions that consider themselves invincible.
- ‘Ozymandias’ can be read as an allegory for the ephemeral nature of human power.
Common misconception
Romantic literature is about love and romance.
Romantic literature is concerned with human emotion but Romanticism was a movement that rejected the principles of the Enlightenment period.
Keywords
Romantic - literature, popular in the late 18th and early 19th century that explored emotion and nature.
Immortalise - to cause someone to be remembered for a long time.
Ephemeral - lasting for only a short time.
Pacifist - someone who is against war.
Allegory - a piece of work in which the characters or events represent moral ideas.
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).
Video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
love
decay
opulence
Exit quiz
6 Questions
Shelley criticises arrogant leaders
Shelley criticises oppressive leaders
Shelley exposes the irony of Ozymandias' arrogance