The Tragic Tale of Ozymandias: A Lesson in Hubris

What did Ozymandias expect to happen to his works?

a. his monument to fall into ruins, and it did
b. his name to be remembered forever, but it has been forgotten
c. his works to endure, but they have fallen into ruin
d. to be forgotten, but he has left a historic ruin behind

Answer:

In the poem "Ozymandias" by Percy Bysshe Shelley, Ozymandias expected his works to endure, but they have fallen into ruin. (C)

In the poem, Ozymandias, an ancient king who believed in his own power and immortality, commissioned a grand monument to showcase his greatness. However, the reality is that time and nature have eroded his works, leaving them in ruins. The statue, once a symbol of Ozymandias' pride and ambition, now lies forgotten and fragmented in a desolate landscape.

The irony lies in the stark contrast between Ozymandias' expectations and the actual outcome. Ozymandias had hoped that his works would endure and serve as a lasting testament to his power. However, the passage of time has proven the futility of his ambitions. The fallen statue, with its half-buried and fragmented remains, is a powerful symbol of the transience of human achievements and the inevitability of decay.

Shelley's poem serves as a critique of hubris and the illusion of permanence. Ozymandias' arrogance and desire for immortality through his works are ultimately rendered insignificant by the forces of time and nature. The irony lies in the fact that Ozymandias' quest for eternal remembrance has ironically led to his name being forgotten, his works reduced to ruins.

Reflecting on Ozymandias' tragic tale, we are reminded of the fleeting nature of human glory and the importance of humility in the face of time's unstoppable march. It's a powerful lesson that continues to resonate through the centuries, urging us to consider our own legacies and the legacy we leave behind.