Analysis of Literary Devices in 'Ozymandias' by Percy Bysshe Shelley

Introduction

“Ozymandias” is a timeless poem by Percy Bysshe Shelley, which encapsulates the themes of transience and the inevitable decline of power and influence. This analysis delves into the literary devices Shelley employs, specifically focusing on the poem’s concluding lines: "Look on my Works, ye Mighty, and despair!"

Irony in the Final Lines

Irony plays a significant role in the final lines of the poem, emphasizing the contrast between the grandeur of Ozymandias and the desolation of his once-impressive statue. The line “Look on my Works, ye Mighty, and despair!” is ironic because despite his boasts of power and achievement, all that remains is a crushed statue in the vast emptiness of the desert. This serves to underscore the transient nature of power and the fleeting nature of human achievement.

The irony here highlights the emptiness behind Ozymandias’s words. Despite his confidence in his own greatness, his legacy is ultimately worthless. This conclusion serves as a powerful commentary on the nature of power and the disregard for empty boastfulness. The speaker, through irony, suggests that such boastful claims are foolish in the face of time’s destructive power, which erases all signs of greatness.

Alliteration in the Final Lines

Alliteration also features prominently in the concluding lines, providing a rhythmic quality that enhances the imagery of the poem. The repetition of the ‘s’ and ‘l’ sounds in the final lines, “Lonely as the sunlight on the sea, / And strewn with mossy ruins,” is designed to evoke the desolate and endless nature of the landscape. This alliteration mirrors the sense of isolation and insignificance that Ozymandias’s empire has become.

Additionally, the use of words with crisp and sharp sounds like “Cold,” “Command,” “King,” and “Kings” underscores the former greatness and authority of Ozymandias, contrasting them with the present state of his remains in the desert. The juxtaposition of these harsh, commanding words with the softer, more redundant sounds emphasizes the stark reality of his vanished empire. The alliteration evokes the power and judgement of Ozymandias, even as it highlights that his power is now nothing but a memory.

The Impact on the Poem’s Message

The contrast between the initial lines describing the grandeur of Ozymandias and the final lines emphasizing emptiness provides a poignant commentary on the human condition. The poem warns against vanity and arrogance, suggesting that true greatness lies in deeds that endure, rather than in fleeting power and status.

Shelley uses these literary devices to communicate a broader moral: that time and history will ultimately erase all traces of power and influence, leaving behind only the works that truly matter. For students and readers, this poem serves as a reminder to focus on meaningful actions and lasting contributions, rather than on short-lived boasts and hollow achievements.

Conclusion

Through the use of irony and alliteration, Shelley masterfully conveys the transient nature of power and the importance of enduring legacy. The final lines of “Ozymandias” serve as a stark warning against vanity and a call to action for those living in the present. By appreciating the true nature of human achievement, we can strive to leave a lasting impact that will transcend the fleeting nature of momentary glory.

Reflecting on these devices helps readers better understand the broader themes and messages present in the poem, making it more than just a piece of literature; it is a timeless reflection on the nature of power and human ambition.