Friday, June 29, 2007
Percy Bysshe Shelley
Shelley’s “Ozymandias” is a very interesting poem, because it says much about the differences between how people wish to be remember and how history actually remembers them. The footnote tells readers that Ozymandias is another name for Ramses II, a great pharaoh of Egypt. During the times of their reigns, pharaohs wee seen as all-powerful god-kings, and that is the legacy that Ramses would have wished to have left behind. He would have wished his people to remember all of the many things he did throughout his reign This is how a the sculptor from Shelley‘s poem captured Ramses. A face segment from a statue of Ramses is depicted in the sand as “a shattered visage lies, whose frown / And wrinkled lip, an sneer of cold command, / Tell that its sculptor well those passions read“ (399; ll. 4-6). There is even a quotation given by the god-kings commanding how he is to be remembered. The broken pedestal of the stature dictates “My name is Ozymandias, King of Kings: Look on my works, ye Mighty, and despair!” (399; ll. 10-11). This was his wish and command; however, history seems to have painted a totally different picture of this supposed god-king. He is often remembered as the pharaoh defeated by Moses who was forced to release the slaves of Egypt. This is quite a stretch from original command. The scene illustrated by Shelley also tells readers history has shown this pharoah very little respect by depicting the statue as “shattered,” (399; ll. 4) and full of “decay” (399; ll. 12). Shelley also calls the once mighty statue a “colossal Wreck,” (399; ll. 13) demonstrating that all of Ramses’ so-called might has accounted for absolutely nothing according to history. All of his power has meant nothing after his death. He and his memory have been scattered to the wind against his every command. There is no way to determine how history will remember a person, and so there is not much point in trying. A person must live out his life to the best of his ability and hope that history remembers him kindly, if he is remembered at all.
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6 comments:
Billy,
Good analysis of Shelley's poem, with insightful observations on the text. Your blog contains many astute readings of the literature we have read--it is clear you have learned a lot and worked hard this summer. Sorry you didn't quite make it to 20 posts.
Good interpretation of "Ozymandias.” Your post made me go back and read this poem again. It's an interesting piece that contrasts the ruined statue and the arrogant king. Ozymandias proudly boasts that he is "king of kings," but ends up as a crumbling, decaying ruin. This lesson on political power has significance even today as politicians continue to overestimate their powers.
I loved reading your interpretation of "Ozymandias" since I enjoyed this poem as well. Its interesting how the crumbling statue also represents the crumbling name of Ramses II. One thing I had a question about was where you said, "There is no way to determine how history will remember a person, and so there is not much point in trying." I think I agree with you in the fact that someone shouldn't try to be remembered just for the sake of being remembered. They also shouldn't try to make history remember them in the way that they want to be remembered. People should make a good name for themselves while they are alive though and history will remember them in their own way. I think that is what you meant. Good post!
I like reading this blog. I think that it does bring about an interesting point about the way that power seems to go to the head of people especially people with power.
I enjoyed reading your interpretation of "Ozymandias." You really broke it down and explained what was going on. I had not read the poem but after reading your blog I felt like I had. Good Job!
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