Essay Prompt: Ozymandias by Percy Bysshe Shelley

*"In Ozymandias, Shelley effectively illustrates the inevitability of decline and the emptiness of human pride."*

Write a well-organized essay arguing how much you agree with this interpretation of the poem.

In your response, you should:

• Examine how Shelley portrays the theme of hubris and the misuse of power through the character of Ozymandias
• Analyze how the ruined statue serves as a lasting metaphor for the fleeting nature of human accomplishment
• Consider how poetic form and structure — including the sonnet format, the framing narrative, and irony — enhance the poem's central message
• Assess the role of the natural world (the "lone and level sands") in challenging the permanence of human legacy
• Support your argument with close reference to language, form, and structure, incorporating relevant terminology throughout

> Assessment Focus: Your evaluation will be based on your ability to build a sustained, coherent argument; analyze the author's techniques; and use precise textual evidence to back up your interpretation.

Essay Prompt: Ozymandias by Percy Bysshe Shelley

"In 'Ozymandias,' Shelley effectively illustrates the unavoidable decline of power and the hubris of humanity through irony, vivid imagery, and the poem's structure."

Write a well-organized essay in which you either support or dispute this statement, using close reference to the language, form, and structure of the poem.

In your essay, you should consider:

• How Shelley employs irony to challenge Ozymandias's assertions of greatness
• The function of imagery (especially visual and tactile imagery) in expressing themes of decay and impermanence
• How the structure and form of the sonnet — including the use of a framing narrative — enhance the poem's core message
• The importance of the historical and political context in which Shelley created the poem

Assessment Guidance:

• Back all points with specific quotations and analysis of language techniques
• Explore alternative interpretations where applicable
• Strive for a consistent, coherent argument throughout your response