Uncovering the Legacy of Ozymandias in Popular Culture
Few pieces of literature have maintained cultural relevancy across centuries, but “Ozymandias,” the sonnet by Percy Bysshe Shelley, is one such piece. The poem, which was first published in 1818, is based on a story from the Greek historian Diodorus Siculus about a statue of a powerful Egyptian pharaoh, Ramses II, that had fallen into ruin. In the sonnet, Shelley ponders the idea of legacy and reminds readers of the fleeting nature of power and wealth.
Today, the legacy of “Ozymandias” can still be seen throughout popular culture in a variety of ways. In this article, we’ll examine some of these examples and explore how Shelley’s poem continues to inspire artists and storytellers around the world.
Breaking Down “Ozymandias”
Before we look at the ways in which “Ozymandias” has influenced popular culture, let’s take a closer look at the poem itself. Shelley’s sonnet is composed of 14 lines and follows a strict rhyme scheme (ABABACDCDEFEFGG). The poem is notable for its use of vivid imagery and powerful metaphors, which help to convey the central theme of the fleeting nature of power.
The poem begins with a description of a “traveller from an antique land” who encounters the ruins of a statue in the middle of the desert. The statue has been battered by time and weather, but its inscriptions still boast of the pharaoh’s power and glory. The poem’s famous final lines read:
“My name is Ozymandias, king of kings:
Look on my works, ye Mighty, and despair!”
The irony of these lines is clear: despite the pharaoh’s boasts, all that remains of his power and legacy is a broken, forgotten statue.
The Influence of “Ozymandias” in Popular Culture
The central theme of “Ozymandias” – the idea that even the most powerful rulers are subject to the ravages of time – has inspired countless works of literature, film, television, and more. Here are just a few examples:
“Breaking Bad”
The hit television series “Breaking Bad” features a memorable episode titled “Ozymandias.” In this episode, the show’s protagonist, Walter White, finally faces the consequences of his actions, which have destroyed his relationships and turned him into a fugitive. The episode’s title is a clear nod to Shelley’s poem, as it reflects the idea that even the most powerful figures are ultimately brought down by time and circumstance.
“Watchmen”
Alan Moore’s groundbreaking graphic novel “Watchmen” features a character named Ozymandias, who is a direct reference to Shelley’s poem. In the novel, Ozymandias is a former superhero who believes that he can save the world by committing a terrible act of violence. Like the pharaoh in Shelley’s poem, Ozymandias is undone by his own hubris, and his legacy is ultimately one of destruction and chaos.
“Mad Max: Fury Road”
The dystopian action movie “Mad Max: Fury Road” features a villain named Immortan Joe, who has constructed a cult of personality around himself and his (seemingly unlimited) resources of water and gasoline. Like the pharaoh in “Ozymandias,” Immortan Joe is brought down by the forces of nature that he cannot control. The movie’s themes of power, greed, and the corrupting influence of authority are all echoes of Shelley’s poem.
Conclusion
“Ozymandias” remains a powerful and relevant piece of literature, not just because of its central theme of the fleeting nature of power, but because it continues to inspire artists and storytellers of all kinds. From “Breaking Bad” to “Mad Max,” the legacy of Shelley’s sonnet can be seen in a variety of popular culture works. By examining these examples, we can see how the idea of legacy and the inevitability of time’s passage can still resonate with audiences today.
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