'Ozymandias' and the Ruins of Power: Shelley's Vision of Empire

Beyond the Verse

In this week’s episode of Beyond the Verse, the official podcast of PoemAnalysis.com and Poetry+, hosts Joe and Maiya delve into the world of Percy Bysshe Shelley with a close reading and analysis of his 1818 sonnet, 'Ozymandias.' They explore the poem’s profound reflections on power, legacy, and the inevitable passage of time as Shelley critiques the hubris of rulers who believe themselves immortal.

Maiya and Joe unpack Shelley’s layered portrayal of decay, the influence of Romantic ideals, and the broader implications of empire in a rapidly changing world. They reflect on Shelley’s unique position as a radical voice in the Romantic era, questioning the nature of power and the forces of art that survive long after empires crumble. In this journey, they discuss the deeper meanings of Shelley’s “colossal wreck” and how the poem resonates with contemporary reflections on history and art.

Poetry+ users can access exclusive PDFs of 'Ozymandias':

• ​Full PDF Guide​
• PDF Snapshot Guide​
• Printable Poem PDF​
  • with Rhyme Scheme​
  • with Meter Syllables​
  • with both Rhyme and Meter​

For more on Percy Bysshe Shelley's poetry, visit PoemAnalysis.com, where you can explore extensive resources in our PDF Learning Library, explore a wide range of analyzed poems, with thousands of PDFs, and much more - see our Percy Bysshe Shelley PDF Guide.

This episode underscores why 'Ozymandias' remains a staple in literary studies and its enduring relevance in understanding human ambition and mortality.

Tune in and discover:

• The timeless significance of Shelley’s depiction of Ozymandias
• Shelley’s critique of empire through irony and structure
• The influence of Shelley’s radical Romantic beliefs
• How Shelley’s themes continue to speak to us today

As always, for the ultimate poetry experience, join Poetry+ and explore all things poetry at PoemAnalysis.com.