In 9-12 sentences using paragraphs to separate each main idea in normal MLA format, explain how the poem "Ozymandias" by Percy Shelley reflects one more more of 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.
Percy Shelley's poem "Ozymandias" reflects several prominent themes of the Romantic Period, including love, nature, focus on the individual, and freedom for all. One of the key themes in the poem is the idea of the power of nature over man-made creations. The traveler describes seeing a broken statue in the desert wasteland, a symbol of the transience of human power and ambition. This reflects the Romantic belief in the supremacy of nature over human achievements. Shelley writes, "My name is Ozymandias, king of kings; / Look on my Works, ye Mighty, and despair!" This quote shows how even the most powerful rulers can be brought low by the forces of nature.
Another prominent theme in the poem is the focus on the individual. The traveler in the poem is alone in the desert, contemplating the statue of Ozymandias. This sense of solitude and introspection is a common theme in Romantic literature, as the Romantics often explored the inner workings of the individual mind. The poem also reflects the Romantic emphasis on freedom for all. Ozymandias is depicted as a tyrant, whose once-great empire has crumbled into ruins. This can be seen as a warning against the dangers of unchecked power and the importance of freedom and equality.
While all of these themes are present in the poem, the theme of nature's power over man-made creations is presented most prominently. The image of the broken statue in the desert serves as a powerful symbol of the fragility of human achievements in the face of nature's unstoppable forces. Shelley's use of vivid imagery and descriptive language emphasizes the idea of nature's supremacy, making it the central theme of the poem. Overall, "Ozymandias" reflects the Romantic Period's fascination with the natural world and its belief in the impermanence of human endeavors.