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Describe, in your own words, what the traveller reports in stanza one of this poem - Leaving Cert English - Question 1 - 2016
Question 1
Describe, in your own words, what the traveller reports in stanza one of this poem. Identify a line or phrase from the poem that made an impact on you and explain w... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Describe, in your own words, what the traveller reports in stanza one of this poem - Leaving Cert English - Question 1 - 2016
Step 1
Describe, in your own words, what the traveller reports in stanza one of this poem.
Answer
In stanza one, the traveller recounts his experience of discovering a massive statue in the desert, which is now in ruins. The statue is described as having a 'wrinkled lip' and a 'sneer of cold command,' suggesting the pride and arrogance of the king it once represented, Ozymandias. Although the statue's features are broken and eroded, they still embody a sense of power, revealing how the king wished to be remembered. The traveller emphasizes the vast emptiness of the surrounding desert, accentuating the distance between Ozymandias's glorious past and the present decay.
Step 2
Identify a line or phrase from the poem that made an impact on you and explain why it made an impact on you.
Answer
A line that stood out to me is 'Look on my works, ye Mighty, and despair!' This phrase illustrates Ozymandias's hubris, as he challenges other powerful figures to behold his achievements. The irony lies in the fact that all that remains of his civilization is this ruin, framed within an endless desert. It evokes a sense of futility and underscores the transient nature of power, reminding me that no matter how great one may be, time will ultimately erase their legacy.
Step 3
Based on your reading of the poem, do you think the poet conveys a mainly positive or a mainly negative view of Ozymandias? Support your answer with reference to the poem.
Answer
The poet conveys a mainly negative view of Ozymandias. While the statue initially suggests grandeur and significance, its broken state symbolizes the inevitable decline of all leaders and empires. The phrase 'Nothing beside remains' reveals the emptiness of his once-mighty kingdom. The way the poet describes the ruins portrays Ozymandias as a figure of pride whose arrogance led to his downfall, making a powerful statement about the impermanence of human achievements and the dangers of hubris.