"Ozymandias"

In the poem “Ozymandias”, the idea that nothing lasts forever is portrayed through the realization of what is left of the kingdom in which the king once reigned. It becomes apparent that the statue of the king outlasted the actual reign of power that this mighty ruler had and all that is left to show is a bleak and dissolving statue that stands alone amongst the middle of an empty desert. The told description of the statue lets the reader know that the statue has been there for some time with the knowledge that it has “trunkless legs” and has “shattered visage lies”. This allows the reader to gain insight into the fact that the “king of kings” was a harsh leader because it was stated that there was “a sneer of cold command”. Along with this, other characteristics in the description that engage the reader in this idea are the words written on the statue “My name is Ozymandias, king of kings: Look on my words, ye Mighty, and despair.” Also, through the speakers view point, this has happened some time ago which also lets the reader know that “ye Mighty” is not mighty anymore, and that nothing; including temporary power; lasts forever. It goes to show that; in certain situations; power can be outstood by mere concrete because although his power has ceased, the statue that represents his power is still standing, in the form of a statue.