Advertisements
Advertisements
Question
How effective is the use of the phrase "Nothing beside remains" in conveying the theme of the transience and impermanence of power and human achievement, in Ozymandias by P.B.Shelley?
Advertisements
Solution
It is highly effective as it emphasizes the idea that even the most significant accomplishments of human beings will eventually crumble and disappear, leaving behind only the inevitable march of time. By emphasizing this theme, Ozymandias serves as a powerful reminder of the fleeting nature of human existence and the futility of pursuing power and glory at the expense of more meaningful pursuits.
APPEARS IN
RELATED QUESTIONS
What is ironic about the inscription on the pedestal of Ozymandias?
Read the extract given below and answer briefly the questions that follow:
".................. its sculptor well those passions read
Which yet survive, stamped on these lifeless things,
The hand that mocked them, and the heart that fed.
(a) What do "lifeless things" refer to?
(b) How do we know that he was a good sculptor?
(c) How did the heart feed the passions?
"The hand that mocked them, and the heart that fed". Whose hand and heart are referred to in this line ? Why ?
Look at the picture given below.

While on a sight-seeing tour to an old and mysterious country far away from home, you have had seen this statue. Discuss with your partner what this picture tells you about the people, the place and the ruler. Note down your ideas in the web-chart.

Write a letter to your friend about the sight you saw and your impression of it. You may create necessary details.
Answer the following question by ticking the correct option.
- The poem is set in _________________________
Answer the following question by ticking the correct option.
- This poem throws light on the _________________ nature of Ozymandias.
Answer the following question by ticking the correct option.
- The tone of the poem is _______________________________
Answer the following question briefly.
"The hand that mocked them, and the heart that fed." Whose hand and heart has the poet referred to in this line?
Answer the following question briefly.
"Look on my works, ye Mighty, and despair!" Who is Ozymandias referring to when he speaks of ‘ye Mighty’? Why should they despair ? .
Answer the following question briefly.
'Nothing beside remains.' What does the narrator mean when he says these words?
Answer the following question briefly.
What is your impression of Ozymandias as a king?
Identify and rewrite the lines from the poem spoken by the narrator, the traveller and Ozymandias:
The Narrator: ________________________________________________________
The Traveller: ________________________________________________________
Ozymandias: ________________________________________________________
Imagine that Ozymandias comes back to life and as he sees the condition of his statue, realisation dawns on him and he pens his thoughts in a diary. As Ozymandias, make this diary entry in about 150 words. You could begin like this: I thought I was the mightiest of all but…
'Ozymandias' and 'Not Marble, nor the Gilded Monuments' are based on the theme of Time. Compare the two sonnets in terms of the manner in which Time is treated by the poets. Write your answer in about 150 words.
Did the sculpture of Ozymandias fulfil the purpose for which it had been built ? Give reasons.
Answer the following in 100-200 words :
Time humbles even the greatest of the great. One should cultivate the quality of humility. Describe how time has reduced the mighty Ozymandias to nothing.
