Ozymandias
An Illustrated Poem
Failed to add items
Add to basket failed.
Add to wishlist failed.
Remove from wishlist failed.
Adding to library failed
Follow podcast failed
Unfollow podcast failed
3 months free
Ozymandias
Buy Now for £2.99
No valid payment method on file.
We are sorry. We are not allowed to sell this product with the selected payment method
-
Narrated by:
-
Elizabeth Copnall
-
By:
-
Percy Shelley
About this listen
Percy Bysshe Shelley's Ozymandias masterfully encapsulates the transient nature of power and the enduring consequences of human hubris. Through the vivid imagery of a decaying statue in an endless desert, Shelley illustrates how Ozymandias's once-mighty empire has crumbled into obscurity, leaving behind only a shattered monument and an ironic inscription: "Look on my Works, ye Mighty, and despair!"
This stark contrast between the king's boastful proclamation and the surrounding desolation serves as a poignant reminder that all human achievements, no matter how grand, are ultimately ephemeral.
The poem's enduring relevance lies in its universal message about the impermanence of power and the folly of arrogance, themes that continue to resonate across generations. Shelley's concise yet profound sonnet stands as one of the finest poems ever written, offering a timeless reflection on the human condition and the inevitable decline of all empires.
©2025 Sean Dempsey (P)2025 Sean Dempsey