Symbolism And Irony In Percy Bysshe Shelley's Ozymandias

“Look on my Works, ye Mighty, and Despair!” (Ozymandias, 11) No, not overheard at the English Dept. staff meeting, but a quote from the self-proclaimed once and future “King of Kings” (10), the eponymous subject of Percy Bysshe Shelley’s poem, “Ozymandias”. Ozymandias apparently had the idea that his powerful empire would surpass all others, and endure for all time. It is true that his name has survived, but the poet appears to take a different view of the King’s legacy. The legacy that Ozymandias leaves us with, the poet seems to say, is not one of eternal omnipotence but that of the fool who believes that he or she is somehow different from all other humans and will alone retain their power and pride. Shelley’s use of irony, symbolism, and imagery presents a darkly humorous case that refutes the king’s claim and reminds us all that we, too, are subject to the same fate as Ozymandias. We must admit that power is a temporary possession and all arrogance and vanity will eventually be laid low. Shelley employs irony to both make his case as well as to comment on the argument. An obvious irony is the fact that, despite Ozymandias’ proclamation, all that’s left of his magnificent statue is “two vast and trunkless legs” (2) alongside

Commenting on Ozymandias, he also comments on himself as well as us, and I do find a wry humor in his use of irony. Death isn’t generally considered to be funny, but attempting to deny it or escape it is. While we may look on Ozymandias and say “What a fool” let’s also not forget to check ourselves and the pitfalls in which our pride and ego conspire to entrap us. It’s always easy to judge the other person, but let’s remember that the true King of Kings is Time, and in appropriating the King’s words, may truly say “Look on my Works, ye Mighty, and despair!” (11). And nothing does