In what way does irony contribute to the themes of "Ozymandias" by Percy Bysshe Shelley and "Frankenstein" by Mary Shelley?
In "Ozymandias" by Percy Bysshe Shelley, irony plays a crucial role in contributing to the overall theme of the poem, which is the transient nature of human power and the inevitability of time's erosion. The irony lies in the stark contrast between the boastful words on the pedestal of the statue of Ozymandias, proclaiming his greatness and warning others to despair at their own insignificance, and the actual state of the statue in the desert. This juxtaposition serves to emphasize the impermanence of power and the futility of human efforts to eternize their legacies. The irony in this poem underscores the theme that even the mightiest rulers and civilizations will ultimately crumble and fade away.
In "Frankenstein" by Mary Shelley, irony is utilized to explore themes such as ambition, the dangers of playing god, and the consequences of scientific development. The reader is presented with an ironic situation when Victor Frankenstein, driven by his desire for knowledge and power, creates the creature that ultimately becomes his own tormentor. Despite his initial ambition and confidence in his creation, Victor soon realizes that he has brought into existence a monstrous being that he cannot control. The irony lies in the fact that Victor's actions, meant to bring him glory and success, instead lead to his downfall and the destruction of those dear to him. This irony illustrates the theme of the limitations of human ambition and the potential dangers of unchecked scientific progress.
Overall, in both "Ozymandias" and "Frankenstein," irony serves to highlight and reinforce the central themes of transience, the arrogance of human power, and the unintended consequences of ambitious pursuits.