In this episode, we’ll look at how Shelley uses fractured rhythm and rhyme in Ozymandias to reflect the decay of the king’s authority. We’ll examine the poem’s irregular rhyming scheme, which defies traditional sonnet structures, highlighting the temporary nature of human creations. We’ll also focus on how the disruption of iambic pentameter in Ozymandias’s declaration emphasizes his perceived superiority and disregard for established norms. Additionally, we’ll discuss how enjambment and caesura enhance the poem’s fragmented feel, mirroring the ruined statue and the crumbling of Ozymandias’s once-mighty power. Finally, we’ll consider how these structural choices are deliberate, reinforcing Shelley’s commentary on the impermanence of political power and the hubris of rulers.

Don't miss out on subscribing for more educational content tailored to help you succeed in your exams. Perfect for AQA, OCR, Edexcel, CIE and WJEC exam boards.

⁠⁠Click here to see all of our GCSE English Literature content!