Ozymandias

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Ozymandias

Percy Shelley

Shelley was born in 1792 and was classed as one of 'The Romantics' He was raised in an upper class family, and attended both Eton and Oxford, but was subsequently expelled fro his University because he began to write literature concerning atheism, and promoted his belief in the abscence of God to many teachers as well as religious figures.

Eve though Shelley is now regarged as one of the best poets of many generations, he was not as succesful in his lifetime, and mostly wrote poetry for his own love and not for the idea of mass public consumption. 

Shelley was also a self proclaimed pacifist and was against violence and protests involving violence. He did not believe war or conflict to be right or just.

Context

Ozymandias was written during the reign of King George the 2nd who is believed to be part of the inspiration behind 'Ozymandias'. King George was often involoved in military conflict throughout the entirety of his reign, and Shelly wished to criticise the rulers actions, as he believed the violence he instigated was not necessary and should not have happened.

It could also be said, that 'Ozymandias' referenced the great pharoah Ramesees ii, who was regarded as the most powerful ruger of the Egyptian Lands. However, he was also a ruler who led many battles to take new land and extend his reign over Egypt. Shelly would have disliked…

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