Percy Bysshe Shelley’s poem “Ozymandias” presents a striking and thought-provoking portrayal of its central character, Ozymandias, an ancient Egyptian pharaoh. Through the poem, Shelley explores the themes of hubris, impermanence, and the ultimate futility of human pride. The character of Ozymandias serves as a powerful symbol of these themes.

The Grand Ambitions of Ozymandias

Ozymandias, whose name means “King of Kings” in Greek, is depicted as a ruler who sought to immortalize his greatness. The inscription on the pedestal of his statue reads, “My name is Ozymandias, King of Kings: Look on my works, ye Mighty, and despair!” This boastful proclamation reveals his arrogance and the high regard in which he held himself. Ozymandias clearly believed that his achievements and power were unparalleled and that his legacy would endure forever.

His grand ambitions are reflected in the elaborate statue he commissioned, which once stood proudly in a desert landscape. The statue, described as having “two vast and trunkless legs of stone” and a “shattered visage,” was intended to convey his power and command respect from all who saw it. The statue’s grand design and imposing features were meant to assert his dominance and create a lasting impression.

The Irony of Ozymandias’s Power

Despite his lofty claims, the poem presents a dramatic irony about Ozymandias’s power. The traveler who recounts the tale describes the statue in a state of ruin. The once-grand monument now lies shattered and half-buried in the sand. The frown, wrinkled lip, and sneer of “cold command” on the statue’s face indicate the ruler’s former arrogance and contempt. Yet, these features are now powerless and lifeless, symbolizing the irony that his once-great power has faded into obscurity.

The poem’s setting—a “boundless and bare” desert—further emphasizes the irony. The vast emptiness surrounding the ruins of the statue contrasts sharply with Ozymandias’s boastful claims. The once-mighty empire he sought to immortalize is now reduced to mere remnants, surrounded by endless desert. This stark contrast underscores the futility of his efforts to achieve lasting greatness.

Hubris and Its Consequences

Ozymandias’s character is marked by hubris, or excessive pride, which is a key theme in the poem. His inscription and the grandeur of his statue reveal his belief that he was unmatched in power and that his legacy would endure through the ages. However, this pride proves to be his downfall. The poem illustrates that no matter how powerful or influential a ruler might be, their achievements are ultimately subject to the ravages of time.

Ozymandias’s hubris is further highlighted by the fact that his empire has crumbled and his once-imposing monument has become a symbol of decay. The poem serves as a warning against the dangers of excessive pride and the illusion of permanence. Ozymandias’s attempt to defy time and secure his place in history is ultimately rendered meaningless by the natural forces of erosion and decay.

The Symbolism of Ozymandias’s Statue

The statue of Ozymandias serves as a powerful symbol of his character and the themes of the poem. The broken and fragmented state of the statue reflects the fragility of human achievements. Despite the ruler’s efforts to create a lasting monument to his greatness, the statue’s ruined state serves as a reminder that all things, no matter how grand, are subject to the passage of time.

The statue’s “shattered visage” and “cold command” are symbolic of Ozymandias’s former arrogance and authority. The frown and sneer on his face, once meant to project power and control, are now lifeless and powerless. This transformation highlights the contrast between Ozymandias’s intended legacy and the reality of his fallen empire.

The Traveler’s Perspective

The poem is narrated by a traveler who recounts the story of Ozymandias and the ruined statue he encountered. The traveler’s account serves to distance the reader from the historical and political context of Ozymandias’s reign. By presenting the story through the eyes of a traveler from “an antique land,” Shelley emphasizes the passage of time and the disconnect between past and present.

The traveler’s perspective also underscores the poem’s message about the impermanence of power. The traveler’s description of the statue and its surroundings serves as a reminder that even the most significant figures and their accomplishments are ultimately transient. The traveler’s recounting of the tale adds an element of detachment and objectivity, reinforcing the theme that human pride and ambition are ultimately insignificant in the grand scheme of time.

The Poem’s Overall Message

“Ozymandias” ultimately conveys a message about the fleeting nature of human power and the vanity of seeking eternal glory. The character of Ozymandias, with his grand ambitions and arrogance, serves as a powerful symbol of the inevitability of decline and decay. Despite his efforts to immortalize his greatness, Ozymandias’s empire and monument are reduced to ruins, illustrating the futility of human pride and the inevitability of change.

Through the character of Ozymandias, Shelley explores themes of hubris, impermanence, and the ultimate insignificance of human achievements. The poem serves as a timeless reminder that no matter how powerful or influential a person may be, their legacy is ultimately subject to the passage of time and the forces of nature.

In conclusion, the character of Ozymandias in Shelley’s poem is a powerful symbol of the transient nature of human power and the dangers of excessive pride. The shattered statue and the vast desert serve as reminders of the impermanence of all things, reinforcing the poem’s central themes and offering a poignant commentary on the nature of human ambition.