In 9-12 sentences using paragraphs to separate each main idea in normal MLA format, explain how the poem "Ozymandias" by Percy Shelley reflects the Romantic Period's prominent themes of love, nature, focus on the individual, and freedom for all and explain which theme is presented most. Please use facts and evidence with quotes that are supported.
The poem "Ozymandias" by Percy Shelley reflects the prominent themes of the Romantic Period through its exploration of love, nature, focus on the individual, and freedom for all. The theme of love is subtly depicted in the poem through the description of Ozymandias's once mighty kingdom which now lies in ruins. The speaker conveys a sense of loss and nostalgia for the greatness that once was, suggesting a deep emotional connection to the past. For example, when the speaker describes the shattered statue of Ozymandias, he notes, "Round the decay/ Of that colossal wreck, boundless and bare/ The lone and level sands stretch far away" (lines 13-14). This sense of desolation and abandonment hints at the fleeting nature of love and the inevitability of loss.
Additionally, the theme of nature is evident in the poem through the depiction of the barren desert landscape where Ozymandias's kingdom once thrived. The vast expanse of sand and sky conveys a sense of the sublime, highlighting the power and beauty of the natural world. This can be seen in lines 5-8: "Two vast and trunkless legs of stone/ Stand in the desert. Near them, on the sand,/ Half sunk, a shattered visage lies." The imagery of the desert setting emphasizes the transitory nature of human achievements and the enduring presence of nature.
Furthermore, the poem explores the theme of focus on the individual through the characterization of Ozymandias himself. Despite his once formidable rule, Ozymandias is ultimately depicted as a fallen tyrant whose legacy has been reduced to rubble and decay. The speaker notes, "Look on my Works, ye Mighty, and despair!/ Nothing beside remains" (lines 11-12). This portrayal of Ozymandias as a figure of hubris and vanity suggests a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked power and ego.
Lastly, the theme of freedom for all is subtly addressed in the poem through the contrast between Ozymandias's oppressive reign and the vast expanse of the desert landscape. The speaker's observation that "The lone and level sands stretch far away" (line 14) implies a sense of endless possibility and liberation from the constraints of human ambition. This idea of freedom from tyranny and constraint aligns with the Romantic Period's emphasis on individual liberty and autonomy.
Overall, while all of these themes are present in the poem, the theme of focus on the individual is most prominently presented. Shelley's depiction of Ozymandias as a once powerful but ultimately doomed figure highlights the fragility of human ambition and the importance of humility in the face of nature's vastness and power. The poem serves as a reminder of the fleeting nature of glory and the ultimate insignificance of mortal achievements in the grand scheme of the universe.