Poetry Analysis-Ozymandias
The first notably used poetry style by Shelley in Ozymandias is rhyming, a look at the alternating final syllables in the verses reveal similar ending sounds (e.g. land and sand at the end of the first and third verses and stone and frown at the end of the second and fourth verses. This kind of rhyme used is known as tail rhyme because it is placed at the end of the verses (Hengreaves, 2007).
The rhyme of ‘land’ and ‘sand’ serves to emphasize the vast stretch of the described land covered with sand, between the first and third verses. The poet also uses consonance as noted in the quote “cold command”, the use of assonance in this case serves to reinforce the mental picture created of the described sculpture of the king-perhaps to reinforce the kings character of cruelty and power.
Another consonance use is noted in the quote “trunk-less legs”, the use of consonance in this case is for the purpose of creating descriptive emphasis in the mid of the reader of the poem. Assonance is also used as illustrated by this quote “an antique land”. Both assonance (vowel sounds) and consonance (consonant sounds) constitute alliteration, and thus the cited examples of consonance and assonance are indeed examples of alliteration too (Hengreaves, 2007).
The poet uses images in the poem as can be cited in these statements “trunk-less legs of stone” as well as “stamped on these lifeless things”. These two are forms of image used to create the picture of the sculpture being highlighted in the poem. Through these images the poet tries to depict to the reader that s/he is talking about a sculpture without directly stating it, but rather through hinting at it.
References
Hengreaves, P. (2007). Poetry for All Seasons: Poems, Forms and Styles. Author House
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