In the realm of poetry, few works stand as prominently as Percy Bysshe Shelley’s “Ozymandias.” This sonnet, with its timeless themes and masterful use of form, continues to captivate readers centuries after its creation. In this article, we delve into the reasons behind why “Ozymandias” is structured as a sonnet and how this form enhances its impact and enduring appeal.
The Origin of “Ozymandias” and Its Historical Context
Before delving into the sonnet form, it’s essential to understand the context in which “Ozymandias” was written. Percy Bysshe Shelley, a prominent Romantic poet, penned this iconic work in 1817, during a time of political and social upheaval in Europe. The poem’s inspiration is believed to have come from Shelley’s friend Horace Smith’s poem of the same name, both of which were responses to the announcement of the British Museum’s acquisition of a statue of Ramesses II (Ozymandias) in 1816.
The Sonnet: A Brief Overview
A sonnet is a poetic form that has evolved over centuries, originating in Italy during the Renaissance. It traditionally consists of 14 lines, written in iambic pentameter and following a specific rhyme scheme. The two most common types of sonnets are the Petrarchan (or Italian) sonnet and the Shakespearean (or English) sonnet.
1. Petrarchan Sonnet: This form is divided into an octave (eight lines) and a sestet (six lines), typically with the rhyme scheme ABBAABBA for the octave and either CDCDCD or CDECDE for the sestet.
2. Shakespearean Sonnet: Also known as the English sonnet, it is structured with three quatrains (four-line stanzas) and a final rhymed couplet, usually following the rhyme scheme ABAB CDCD EFEF GG.
Why “Ozymandias” Fits the Sonnet Form
1. Structural Symmetry and Unity: The sonnet form provides “Ozymandias” with a sense of structural symmetry and unity, aligning with the poem’s theme of fleeting power and grandeur. The 14-line structure allows Shelley to present a complete narrative arc within a concise framework.
2. Intensified Imagery and Language: Sonnets, due to their brevity and strict form, demand precision and economy of language. This requirement enhances the impact of Shelley’s vivid imagery in “Ozymandias,” such as the “vast and trunkless legs of stone” and the inscription “Look on my Works, ye Mighty, and despair!”
3. Emphasis on Contrast: The contrasting elements in “Ozymandias” – the once-majestic statue and the desolate, forgotten landscape – are effectively highlighted through the structure of a sonnet. The volta, or turn, often found in the ninth line of a sonnet, accentuates this shift in tone and perspective.
4. Timelessness and Universality: Sonnets are renowned for their ability to encapsulate timeless themes and emotions. By employing this form, Shelley imbues “Ozymandias” with a universal quality that transcends its historical context, making it relevant to readers across generations.
Analyzing “Ozymandias” Through the Sonnet Lens
Let’s delve deeper into how the sonnet form contributes to the thematic richness and aesthetic appeal of “Ozymandias.”
1. Structure and Symmetry
The Petrarchan sonnet’s division into an octave and a sestet is reflected in “Ozymandias” through the poem’s narrative structure. The first eight lines (the octave) depict the traveler’s encounter with the ruined statue and the inscription, setting the stage for the central theme of transience and decay. This section establishes the external image of Ozymandias’s once-glorious empire.
The volta occurs in line 9, marking a shift in perspective as the focus turns inward to the message on the pedestal. This turn is reminiscent of the volta’s function in Petrarchan sonnets, where it often introduces a change in thought or emotion. In “Ozymandias,” the volta serves to reveal the irony and hubris underlying Ozymandias’s proclamation of eternal power.
The final six lines (the sestet) encapsulate the aftermath of Ozymandias’s downfall, highlighting the inevitable erasure of human achievements by time. This structural symmetry contributes to the poem’s coherence and thematic development, reinforcing the idea of transient human glory.
2. Intensified Imagery and Language
The compactness of the sonnet form compels Shelley to select words and images with utmost precision. This precision is evident in “Ozymandias,” where each line contributes to the poem’s thematic depth and emotional resonance.
Consider the iconic lines:
“Half sunk, a shattered visage lies, whose frown,
And wrinkled lip, and sneer of cold command,
Tell that its sculptor well those passions read
Which yet survive, stamped on these lifeless things,”
Here, Shelley’s skillful use of imagery and sensory details creates a vivid portrait of Ozymandias’s visage, conveying not only the physical decay but also the enduring traces of human emotions and aspirations. The sonnet’s concise structure ensures that every word carries weight, amplifying the impact of the imagery.
3. Emphasis on Contrast
One of the sonnet’s strengths is its ability to juxtapose contrasting ideas or images, a technique utilized masterfully in “Ozymandias.” The stark contrast between Ozymandias’s grandiose boast – “Look on my Works, ye Mighty, and despair!” – and the barren, desolate landscape surrounding the ruined statue serves as a poignant commentary on the fleeting nature of power and the inevitable march of time.
The volta in line 9 serves as a pivot point that heightens this contrast. It prompts readers to reevaluate their initial impressions of the scene, moving beyond the external spectacle to contemplate the deeper meaning behind Ozymandias’s legacy and the transient nature of human achievements.
4. Timelessness and Universality
Despite being rooted in a specific historical context – the decline of ancient empires – “Ozymandias” resonates with readers across time and cultures due to its universal themes. The sonnet form contributes to this timelessness by distilling complex ideas into a concise and accessible structure.
The brevity of the sonnet allows Shelley to explore profound philosophical questions about human ambition, hubris, and mortality without sacrificing clarity or emotional impact. As a result, “Ozymandias” continues to be studied and admired as a testament to the enduring power of poetry to capture the human experience in all its grandeur and impermanence.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the choice of the sonnet form for “Ozymandias” was a deliberate and masterful decision by Percy Bysshe Shelley. This poetic structure enhances the poem’s thematic depth, aesthetic appeal, and universal relevance, allowing it to transcend its historical origins and resonate with readers across generations.
Through structural symmetry, intensified imagery, emphasis on contrast, and a focus on timeless themes, “Ozymandias” emerges as a quintessential example of how form and content intersect to create a lasting work of art. As we continue to explore the legacy of “Ozymandias” as a sonnet, it becomes clear that Shelley’s mastery of the form contributes significantly to the poem’s enduring impact.
FAQs:
What is the poem Ozymandias mainly about?
The poem “Ozymandias” by Percy Bysshe Shelley is mainly about the transience of human power, the inevitable decay of empires, and the fleeting nature of worldly achievements. It tells the story of a traveler who encounters the ruins of a statue in the desert, bearing the inscription “Look on my Works, ye Mighty, and despair!” Despite the grandiosity of the statue’s proclamation, the surrounding landscape is desolate and bare, emphasizing the contrast between the former glory of the empire and its current state of ruin.
What does the poem Ozymandias symbolize?
Symbolically, “Ozymandias” represents the idea of hubris and the folly of pride. The statue of Ozymandias, believed to be a reference to the Egyptian pharaoh Ramesses II, symbolizes the arrogance and overconfidence of powerful rulers who believe their legacies will endure indefinitely. However, the crumbling statue and the lone and level sands stretching far away serve as stark reminders of the impermanence of human achievements and the ultimate insignificance of worldly power in the face of time and nature’s relentless forces.