POEM: OZYMANDIAS OF EGYPT

POEM: OZYMANDIAS OF EGYPT

I met a traveller from an antique land,

Who said "Two vast and trunkless legs of stone

Stand in the desert.... Near them, on the sand,

Half sunk a shattered visage lies, whose frown,

And wrinkled lip, and sneer of cold command,

Tell that its sculptor well those passions read

Which yet survive, stamped on these lifeless things,

The hand that mocked them, and the heart that fed;

And on the pedestal, these words appear:

My name is Ozymandias, King of Kings;

Look on my Works, ye Mighty, and despair!

Nothing beside remains. Round the decay

Of that colossal Wreck, boundless and bare

The lone and level sands stretch far away.'

LINE BY LINE EXPLANATION

"Ozymandias" is a famous sonnet written by Percy Bysshe Shelley. It tells the story of a traveler who comes across the ruins of a statue in the desert, which serves as a symbol of the transitory nature of human power and ambition. Here's a line-by-line explanation of the poem:

Line 1: "I met a traveler from an antique land" - The speaker (the poet or storyteller) begins by saying that he met a traveler who had come from a distant, ancient land.

Line 2: "Who said: Two vast and trunkless legs of stone" - The traveler tells the speaker about a ruined statue in the desert. He describes it as having massive, leg-like structures made of stone.

Line 3: "Stand in the desart. Near them, on the sand," - The legs of the statue are standing in the desert. Nearby, there's nothing else but sand, indicating the desolation and emptiness of the area.

Line 4: "Half sunk, a shattered visage lies, whose frown," - The top part of the statue, including its face, is partly buried in the sand, and it's broken or shattered. The expression on the statue's face appears to be a frown, suggesting a stern or disapproving look.

Line 5: "And wrinkled lip, and sneer of cold command," - The statue's face is detailed with a wrinkled lip and a sneer, which conveys a sense of arrogance and dominance.

Line 6: "Tell that its sculptor well those passions read" - The features of the statue, including the frown and sneer, reveal that the sculptor who created it understood and captured the emotions and character of the person it depicts.

Line 7: "Which yet survive, stamped on these lifeless things," - The passions and emotions depicted on the statue's face still exist, though they are now only visible in these lifeless stone remnants.

Line 8: "The hand that mocked them and the heart that fed." - This line suggests that the sculptor, in a way, mocked or imitated the passions of the figure through the statue's face, and the statue reflects the heart (emotions, character) of the person it represents.

Line 9: "And on the pedestal, these words appear:" - The traveler points out that there are words inscribed on the base or pedestal of the statue.

Line 10: "'My name is Ozymandias, King of Kings;'" - The inscription on the pedestal reveals the identity of the person depicted in the statue. He is Ozymandias, who refers to himself as "King of Kings," signifying great power and authority.

Line 11: "Look on my works, ye Mighty, and despair!'" - Ozymandias boasts that anyone who sees his works should be in awe and feel insignificant in comparison.

Line 12: "Nothing beside remains. Round the decay" - However, despite Ozymandias's grand claims, there is nothing left around the statue but decay and ruins.

Line 13: "Of that colossal wreck, boundless and bare" - The scene around the statue is described as a colossal wreck, vast and empty.

Line 14: "The lone and level sands stretch far away." - The poem concludes by emphasizing the desolation of the desert. All that remains is the endless, flat sands stretching into the distance.

The poem "Ozymandias" is a reflection on the impermanence of human achievements and the inevitable decline of even the mightiest rulers and their empires. It conveys a powerful message about the fleeting nature of human glory and ambition.

NARRATIVE: OZYMANDIAS OF EGYPT

"In the narrative, the speaker recounts a chance encounter with a traveler who had recently visited a remote and ancient land. This traveler described a remarkable sight he had come across in the desolate desert: the remains of a colossal statue. The statue's defining feature was a pair of massive, trunkless legs made of stone that stood isolated in the vast desert. Near these legs, half-buried in the sand, lay a shattered visage. This visage, with its frowning expression, wrinkled lip, and a sneer that exuded a cold air of command, was all that remained of the statue's upper part.

The traveler marveled at the skill of the sculptor who had captured the passions and character of the person the statue represented, even though only these lifeless stone remnants of the figure remained. The statue's emotions and character, once vividly portrayed, now lay frozen and broken in the harsh desert.

Engraved on the pedestal of the statue were words that revealed the identity of the person it depicted: 'My name is Ozymandias, King of Kings.' The inscription continued with an arrogant command to onlookers: 'Look on my works, ye Mighty, and despair!' Ozymandias, the self-proclaimed 'King of Kings,' expected those who beheld his works to be in awe and to feel insignificant in his presence.

However, the reality painted by the traveler was quite different. He reported that nothing remained around the statue except for desolation and decay. The once-mighty figure of Ozymandias had been reduced to a colossal wreck, and the surroundings were described as boundless and barren. In the end, all that was visible was the lonely and level expanse of sands stretching endlessly into the distance, a stark reminder of the impermanence of human accomplishments and the transitory nature of power and ambition."

SUMMARY: OZYMANDIAS OF EGYPT

The speaker describes meeting a traveler who had recently visited an ancient land. This traveler tells the speaker about a remarkable sight he encountered in the desert: two enormous, leg-shaped stone structures stand without a body or a head. In the vicinity, half-buried in the sand, there's a shattered face that displays a frown, a wrinkled lip, and a sneer that conveys an air of cold authority. These features suggest that the sculptor of this face truly understood the emotions and character of the person it represented, and even though the figure has crumbled, these emotions endure, evident in these lifeless stone remnants.

The sculptor who created the statue mocked and captured the passions and character of the subject, and the heart that inspired this artwork is evident. Inscribed on the statue's pedestal are the words: "My name is Ozymandias, King of Kings; Look on my Works, ye Mighty, and despair!" Ozymandias, who identifies himself as the mightiest of kings, expects those who view his accomplishments to be awed and overwhelmed.

However, the traveler reports a stark contrast to Ozymandias's pride. There is nothing else around the statue but decay and ruin. The once-majestic figure of Ozymandias has crumbled into a colossal wreck, and the surroundings are vast and barren. Ultimately, all that can be seen is the lonely, level expanse of sands stretching endlessly into the distance, a poignant reminder of the fleeting nature of human achievements and the impermanence of power and ambition.

 

QUESTIONS: OZYMANDIAS OF EGYPT

1. Who is the speaker in the passage, and what does he mention meeting?
2. What does the traveler describe as standing in the desert?
3. How is the condition of the "trunkless legs of stone" described?
4. Where does the shattered visage lie, and how much of it is visible above the sand?
5. What are the notable features of the shattered visage's expression?
6. What do the frown, wrinkled lip, and sneer on the shattered visage reveal about the person it represents?
7. What does the passage suggest about the sculptor of this figure?
8. How are the passions and emotions of the person depicted by the statue still present?
9. What emotions or actions does the passage attribute to the "hand that mocked them" and the "heart that fed"?
10. What is inscribed on the pedestal of the statue?
11. How does Ozymandias describe himself in the inscription on the pedestal?
12. What expectation does Ozymandias express for those who view his works?
13. What is the state of the surroundings of the statue, according to the passage?
14. How does the passage describe the condition of the colossal wreck and its surroundings?
15. What is the final image that the passage leaves us with?

 

ANSWERS: OZYMANDIAS OF EGYPT

1. Who is the speaker in the passage, and what does he mention meeting?

The speaker in the passage is an individual who recounts an encounter with a traveler. This traveler has recently visited an ancient and remote land and provides the speaker with a vivid description of a particular sight he came across during his journey.

2. What does the traveler describe as standing in the desert?

The traveler describes encountering two immense and trunkless legs made of stone standing in the vast, barren desert. These legs appear to be all that remains of a monumental statue.

3. How is the condition of the "trunkless legs of stone" described?

The traveler mentions that the stone legs are "vast and trunkless." This means they are incredibly large and lacking the upper body, which would have included the torso and head of the statue. The statue is incomplete and in a state of disrepair.

4. Where does the shattered visage lie, and how much of it is visible above the sand?

The shattered visage, or the face of the statue, is partially buried in the sand. It is half sunk in the sand, which implies that only the upper part of the face is visible, while the lower part is buried beneath the desert sands.

5. What are the notable features of the shattered visage's expression?

The face of the statue has distinct features, including a frown, a wrinkled lip, and a sneer that conveys an air of cold command. These features collectively create an image of stern and authoritative expression.

6. What do the frown, wrinkled lip, and sneer on the shattered visage reveal about the person it represents?

The presence of these facial expressions, such as the frown, wrinkled lip, and sneer of cold command, suggests that the person represented by the statue was likely an authoritative and stern figure. The expressions reflect a commanding and perhaps unapproachable demeanor.

7. What does the passage suggest about the sculptor of this figure?

The passage implies that the sculptor was highly skilled and perceptive. The detailed representation of the emotions and character of the person in the statue, even in its ruined state, suggests that the sculptor had a deep understanding of the subject's personality.

8. How are the passions and emotions of the person depicted by the statue still present?

The passions and emotions of the person depicted by the statue are said to "survive" and are "stamped on these lifeless things." This means that despite the statue being inanimate, the emotions and character it conveys are still vivid and discernible through the remaining features.

9. What emotions or actions does the passage attribute to the "hand that mocked them" and the "heart that fed"?

The passage attributes the act of "mocking" to the hand of the sculptor. This means that the sculptor skillfully imitated and captured the emotions and character of the person. Additionally, the "heart that fed" suggests that the sculptor was deeply inspired and connected to the subject's character.

10. What is inscribed on the pedestal of the statue?

The pedestal of the statue bears an inscription. It contains the words: "My name is Ozymandias, King of Kings; Look on my Works, ye Mighty, and despair!" These words are meant to convey the identity of the person the statue represents and his assertion of greatness.

11. How does Ozymandias describe himself in the inscription on the pedestal?

Ozymandias describes himself as "King of Kings," which is a grand and powerful title. This title conveys the idea that he sees himself as the most supreme and dominant ruler.

12. What expectation does Ozymandias express for those who view his works?

Ozymandias expects those who see his works to be filled with awe and a sense of insignificance. He uses the phrase "Look on my Works, ye Mighty, and despair!" to command those who behold his creations to feel overwhelmed and impressed.

13. What is the state of the surroundings of the statue, according to the passage?

The passage describes the surroundings as desolate. There is "Nothing beside remains" around the statue. It suggests a barren and lifeless landscape.

14. How does the passage describe the condition of the colossal wreck and its surroundings?

The passage characterizes the area as the site of a "colossal Wreck." The statue, once grand, is now in ruins. The surroundings are described as "boundless and bare," emphasizing the vast and empty expanse of the desert.

15. What is the final image that the passage leaves us with?

The passage concludes with the image of "the lone and level sands stretch[ing] far away." This image portrays the endless, flat desert landscape, signifying the relentless march of time and the impermanence of human achievements. It leaves us with a sense of desolation and the idea that all greatness eventually succumbs to the ravages of time.

 

MCQs: OZYMANDIAS OF EGYPT

1. In the passage, what does "antique" land most likely refer to? A. Ancient land B. Exotic land C. Vibrant land D. Remote land
2. What is the meaning of "trunkless" in the passage? A. Without roots B. Without a torso C. Without limbs D. Without leaves
3. What is the primary literary device used to describe the shattered visage? A. Simile B. Metaphor C. Personification D. Alliteration
4. What emotions are depicted in the "shattered visage"? A. Joy and laughter B. Anger and disdain C. Fear and surprise D. Sadness and confusion
5. Which literary device is used in the phrase "stamped on these lifeless things"? A. Simile B. Metaphor C. Alliteration D. Personification
6. What does the phrase "the heart that fed" suggest about the sculptor? A. The sculptor was emotionally connected to the subject. B. The sculptor was critical of the subject. C. The sculptor had a strong physical heart. D. The sculptor was unskilled.
7. What message does the inscription on the pedestal convey? A. A warning to those who approach B. A plea for help C. A declaration of greatness D. A call for humility
8. In the line, "Nothing beside remains," what literary device is used? A. Simile B. Alliteration C. Repetition D. Oxymoron
9. What does the word "colossal" mean in the context of "colossal Wreck"? A. Small and delicate B. Huge and magnificent C. Unimportant and insignificant D. Temporary and fleeting
10. What is the connotation of the word "boundless" in the passage? A. Expansive and infinite B. Limited and confined C. Well-defined and specific D. Negligible and insignificant
11. What literary device is used in the phrase "lone and level sands"? A. Simile B. Metaphor C. Alliteration D. Hyperbole
12. What does the phrase "the lone and level sands stretch far away" symbolize in the passage? A. A thriving civilization B. The passage of time C. Ozymandias's legacy D. The sculptor's skills
13. Which of the following is a synonym for "antique" as used in the first line of the passage? A. Modern B. Vintage C. Contemporary D. Futuristic
14. What is the meaning of "despair" in the phrase "Look on my Works, ye Mighty, and despair!"? A. Happiness and contentment B. Sadness and hopelessness C. Pride and accomplishment D. Humility and reverence
15. Which literary device is employed in the phrase "the heart that fed"? A. Alliteration B. Hyperbole C. Metonymy D. Assonance

 

ANSWERS OF MCQs: OZYMANDIAS OF EGYPT

1. In the passage, what does "antique" land most likely refer to?
• The correct answer is A, "Ancient land." In the context of the poem, "antique" refers to something that is very old and historically significant. The passage describes a traveler from an ancient land, not an exotic or remote one.
2. What is the meaning of "trunkless" in the passage?
• The correct answer is B, "Without a torso." "Trunkless" means lacking a trunk or torso, which is clearly indicated in the passage where it mentions "two vast and trunkless legs of stone."
3. What is the primary literary device used to describe the shattered visage?
• The correct answer is B, "Metaphor." The shattered visage is metaphorically described as having a "frown, And wrinkled lip, and sneer of cold command," which means that the facial features convey these emotions.
4. What emotions are depicted in the "shattered visage"?
• The correct answer is B, "Anger and disdain." The passage describes the shattered visage as having a frown, wrinkled lip, and a sneer of cold command, which collectively suggest emotions of anger and disdain.
5. Which literary device is used in the phrase "stamped on these lifeless things"?
• The correct answer is D, "Personification." This phrase attributes human qualities to the inanimate statue remains by saying that the passions are "stamped on these lifeless things," suggesting that the emotions are vivid and recognizable.
6. What does the phrase "the heart that fed" suggest about the sculptor?
• The correct answer is A, "The sculptor was emotionally connected to the subject." The phrase "the heart that fed" implies a deep emotional connection between the sculptor and the subject, as if the sculptor poured his own emotions into the work.
7. What message does the inscription on the pedestal convey?
• The correct answer is C, "A declaration of greatness." The inscription on the pedestal conveys Ozymandias's message of his own greatness and power. It is not a warning or a plea for help; instead, it is an assertion of his accomplishments and supremacy.
8. In the line, "Nothing beside remains," what literary device is used?
• The correct answer is D, "Oxymoron." The phrase "Nothing beside remains" is an oxymoron, as it combines contradictory terms ("nothing" and "remains") to emphasize the stark emptiness and desolation of the scene.
9. What does the word "colossal" mean in the context of "colossal Wreck"?
• The correct answer is B, "Huge and magnificent." In the context, "colossal" is used to emphasize the grand scale and magnificence of the wreck, not its smallness or insignificance.
10. What is the connotation of the word "boundless" in the passage?
• The correct answer is A, "Expansive and infinite." "Boundless" implies limitless expanse and space, which is the intended connotation in the passage, highlighting the vastness of the barren landscape.
11. What literary device is used in the phrase "lone and level sands"?
• The correct answer is B, "Metaphor." "Lone and level sands" is a metaphorical description of the endless desert landscape, conveying a sense of solitude and uniformity.
12. What does the phrase "the lone and level sands stretch far away" symbolize in the passage?
• The correct answer is B, "The passage of time." This phrase symbolizes the relentless passage of time and the idea that everything eventually fades into obscurity.
13. Which of the following is a synonym for "antique" as used in the first line of the passage?
• The correct answer is B, "Vintage." "Antique" in this context means something old and historical, much like "vintage."
14. What is the meaning of "despair" in the phrase "Look on my Works, ye Mighty, and despair!"?
• The correct answer is B, "Sadness and hopelessness." In this context, "despair" conveys a sense of sadness and hopelessness rather than pride or accomplishment.
15. Which literary device is employed in the phrase "the heart that fed"?
• The correct answer is C, "Metonymy." "The heart that fed" is a metonymy, where the word "heart" is used to represent the emotions, inspiration, and dedication of the sculptor.

 

ASSERTION AND REASONING: OZYMANDIAS OF EGYPT

THERE ARE FOUR CHOICES. A) ASSERTION IS TRUE, REASON IS TRUE AND REASONING RIGHTLY DESCRIBES AND EXPLAINS ASSERTION, B) ASSERTION IS TRUE, REASON IS ALSO TRUE BUT REASONS CAN NOT EXPLAINS ASSERTION RIGHTLY. C) ASSERTION IS RIGHT BUT REASON IS FALSE, D) ASSERTION IS FALSE BUT REASON IS RIGHT

1. Assertion: The traveler in the passage describes the colossal statue as still standing proudly. Reason: The passage mentions "Two vast and trunkless legs of stone" but also describes the statue as a "colossal Wreck."
2. Assertion: The shattered visage of the statue is well-preserved and intact. Reason: The passage describes the visage as "half sunk," indicating that it is not well-preserved.
3. Assertion: Ozymandias is depicted in the passage as a humble and modest ruler. Reason: The inscription on the pedestal includes the words "Look on my Works, ye Mighty, and despair!"
4. Assertion: The emotions and character of Ozymandias are no longer discernible in the shattered visage. Reason: The passage suggests that the "frown, And wrinkled lip, and sneer of cold command" on the visage still convey those emotions.
5. Assertion: The passage portrays the desert as a vibrant and thriving ecosystem. Reason: The passage describes the desert as "boundless and bare," emphasizing its desolation.
6. Assertion: The inscription on the pedestal reflects Ozymandias's true sense of humility. Reason: The inscription on the pedestal is an expression of Ozymandias's pride and grandiosity.
7. Assertion: The statue's sculptor failed to capture the emotions and character of Ozymandias. Reason: The passage suggests that the sculptor well understood and conveyed those emotions.
8. Assertion: The passage suggests that Ozymandias's works have left a lasting impact on the world. Reason: The final lines of the passage state that "Nothing beside remains."
9. Assertion: The "colossal Wreck" in the passage refers to a thriving and well-preserved monument. Reason: The passage depicts the "colossal Wreck" as a symbol of decay and ruin.
10. Assertion: The inscription on the pedestal reflects Ozymandias's deep sense of humility and self-doubt. Reason: The inscription on the pedestal is a proclamation of Ozymandias's greatness and an assertion of his achievements.

 

 

1. Assertion: The traveler in the passage describes the colossal statue as still standing proudly. Reason: The passage mentions "Two vast and trunkless legs of stone" but also describes the statue as a "colossal Wreck." Answer: B) ASSERTION IS TRUE, REASON IS ALSO TRUE BUT REASONS CANNOT EXPLAIN ASSERTION RIGHTLY.
2. Assertion: The shattered visage of the statue is well-preserved and intact. Reason: The passage describes the visage as "half sunk," indicating that it is not well-preserved. Answer: D) ASSERTION IS FALSE BUT REASON IS RIGHT.
3. Assertion: Ozymandias is depicted in the passage as a humble and modest ruler. Reason: The inscription on the pedestal includes the words "Look on my Works, ye Mighty, and despair!" Answer: D) ASSERTION IS FALSE BUT REASON IS RIGHT.
4. Assertion: The emotions and character of Ozymandias are no longer discernible in the shattered visage. Reason: The passage suggests that the "frown, And wrinkled lip, and sneer of cold command" on the visage still convey those emotions. Answer: C) ASSERTION IS RIGHT BUT REASON IS FALSE.
5. Assertion: The passage portrays the desert as a vibrant and thriving ecosystem. Reason: The passage describes the desert as "boundless and bare," emphasizing its desolation. Answer: D) ASSERTION IS FALSE BUT REASON IS RIGHT.
6. Assertion: The inscription on the pedestal reflects Ozymandias's true sense of humility. Reason: The inscription on the pedestal is an expression of Ozymandias's pride and grandiosity. Answer: D) ASSERTION IS FALSE BUT REASON IS RIGHT.
7. Assertion: The statue's sculptor failed to capture the emotions and character of Ozymandias. Reason: The passage suggests that the sculptor well understood and conveyed those emotions. Answer: B) ASSERTION IS TRUE, REASON IS ALSO TRUE BUT REASONS CANNOT EXPLAIN ASSERTION RIGHTLY.
8. Assertion: The passage suggests that Ozymandias's works have left a lasting impact on the world. Reason: The final lines of the passage state that "Nothing beside remains." Answer: C) ASSERTION IS RIGHT BUT REASON IS FALSE.
9. Assertion: The "colossal Wreck" in the passage refers to a thriving and well-preserved monument. Reason: The passage depicts the "colossal Wreck" as a symbol of decay and ruin. Answer: D) ASSERTION IS FALSE BUT REASON IS RIGHT.
10. Assertion: The inscription on the pedestal reflects Ozymandias's deep sense of humility and self-doubt. Reason: The inscription on the pedestal is a proclamation of Ozymandias's greatness and an assertion of his achievements. Answer: D) ASSERTION IS FALSE BUT REASON IS RIGHT.