GCSE English Literature paper 2:Poetry-Power and Conflict

POWER AND CONFLICT

1.OZYMANDIAS-PERCY BYSSHE SHELLEY

POET BACKGROUND:(1792-1822), one of the romantics, wealthy family, privileged family, expelled for atheist beliefs, not successful during his lifetime, deeply political, believed in non-violent protest.

CONTEXT:

-During King George III reign, took part in many oppressive wars which Shelley didn't agree with,  could be the inspiration for the poem.

-Romanticism-contains an embrace of the natural world using more ordinary languge,at the time romantic poets often set poems in foreign lands and had a touch of the supernatural, Ozymandias set in foreign land with rich language which captures a more intense experience .

-Ozymandias was an egyptian pharoh, meant to be in charge during thebiblicaln exodus of Moses, led many battles to protect and extend Egyptian empire, similar to George III, therefore, resembling thecurrent king. British museum recently announced it would…