bring out the irony in the poem ozymandias
The irony in the poem lies in the fact that the mighty ruler had the following words engraved on his statue “My name is Ozymandias, king of kings; Look upon my works ye Mighty and despair!” These words conveyed he was so powerful that no other king could surpass him.
Yet, the arrogant king did not realize that after his death, the very same statue would lie shattered, and all that would be left of it would be the inscription. The arrogant words and the sneer on its visage are in direct contrast with the statue’s present fate.
The king may have been powerful during his reign, but after his death, his legacy is at the mercy of the ravaging forces of nature. His past glory is now reduced to two standing legs and a shattered visage. This brings out the irony of the poem.
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