How is the poem "Ozymandias" by Percy Shelley a Romantic poem? What elements make it a romantic poem? I read the poem a few times and I don't know how it is classified as romantic poetry.
This is a good definition and explanation of romantic poetry.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Romantic_poetry
Love poetry and romantic style are two separate things entirely.
Scanning the first two websites below, I found these characteristics of romantic poetry: intuition over reason, pastoral over urban, emotion, imagination, nature, symbolism, myth, self, and romantic hero.
Which of these are present in Shelley's poem?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Romantic_poetry
http://academic.brooklyn.cuny.edu/english/melani/cs6/rom.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ozymandias
The poem "Ozymandias" by Percy Shelley can be considered a Romantic poem due to several elements present in its content and style. Here are the reasons why it is classified as a Romantic poem:
1. Emphasis on Imagination: Romantic poetry often places a strong emphasis on the power of imagination. In "Ozymandias," the poet presents a vivid description of the ruined statue and invokes the reader's imagination to visualize the once-mighty ruler and his now desolate empire.
2. Connection to Nature: Romantic poets often explore the relationship between humanity and nature. In this poem, Shelley contrasts the ephemeral nature of human achievements with the eternal power of nature. The crumbling statue of Ozymandias becomes a symbol of man's transitory existence in the face of nature's timeless beauty.
3. Expression of Emotions: Romanticism encourages the expression of deep and intense emotions. In "Ozymandias," the poet conveys a sense of awe, admiration, and even melancholy at the sight of the ruins. The poem's emotional tone evokes a sense of the sublime, a key aspect of Romantic literature.
4. Critique of Power and Hubris: Romantic poets often questioned established authority and criticized the excesses of power. The poem exposes the arrogance and hubris of Ozymandias, once a powerful ruler whose legacy now lies in ruins. This critique of power aligns with the Romantic rejection of oppressive institutions and celebrates the power of the individual.
5. Use of Symbolism: Romantic poets frequently employ symbolism to convey deeper meanings. In "Ozymandias," the fallen statue is a powerful symbol of the transient and ultimately futile nature of human achievements. It serves as a cautionary reminder that nothing lasts forever and that even the most powerful rulers will fade into obscurity.
By incorporating these elements into the poem, Shelley captures the essence of Romantic poetry, making "Ozymandias" a representative example of the movement.
To understand how the poem "Ozymandias" by Percy Shelley is considered a Romantic poem, we need to delve into the characteristics of Romantic poetry and analyze how these elements are reflected in the poem.
1. Emotion and Feeling: Romantic poetry often emphasizes the expression of intense emotions and explores the human experience. In "Ozymandias," Shelley evokes a sense of wonder and awe by describing the ruins of a once-mighty statue. The poem elicits feelings of awe, despair, and the passage of time, all of which are prominent emotions in Romantic poetry.
2. Imagination and Escapism: Romantic poets value the power of imagination, seeing it as a means to escape the constraints of reality. "Ozymandias" embodies this element through its stark contrast between the grandiose claims of Ozymandias and the crumbling ruins that remain. This juxtaposition encourages readers to imagine the glory and power that once existed and then reflect on the transience of human achievements.
3. Nature and the Sublime: Romantic poetry often celebrates the beauty and power of nature, capturing the sublime—the overwhelming sense of awe and wonder evoked by nature's grandeur. While "Ozymandias" focuses more on human-made ruins than nature itself, it indirectly touches upon the idea that nature's forces outlast human creations. The poem suggests that time and nature diminish even the most imposing and arrogant of human structures.
4. Individualism and Rebellion: Romantic poets often explore themes of individualism and rebellion against societal norms. In "Ozymandias," Shelley challenges the theme of immortalizing oneself through grand monuments. The crumbling statue of Ozymandias, once a powerful ruler, is a reminder that even the most egotistical ambitions are ultimately futile and temporary. This subverts the traditional notion of power and reinforces the Romantic belief in the insignificance of human achievements.
By considering these elements, we can conclude that "Ozymandias" embodies Romantic elements such as emotional expression, imagination, the exploration of nature's power, and a critique of societal norms. While it may not conform to all traditional expectations of Romantic poetry, it aligns with the broader spirit and themes of the Romantic movement.