Read the paragraph below and then: Highlight the topic sentence/introductory sentence in green. Highlight the restatement of and the answer to the question in blue
Highlight the evidence-quote +lines in purple
Highlight the link to your evidence in orange

Question: How does Shelly use irony in the poem, "Ozymandias"?

Irony is when what actually happens turns out to be completely different or opposite from what is expected. In the poem, "Ozymandias", Shelly uses irony to make his point about tyrant kings or autocratic leaders. The poet highlights the fact that the King was far from being great as he claimed. In the inscription on the statue, the King describes himself as "King of kings. Look on my works..." (line 10-12) If he was great, his statue would not be far away in ruins and in decay. The poet uses terms such as "trunkless legs" (line 2). "shattered visage” (line 3) and, "decay of that colossal Wreck" to describe what is left of the King. A statue is meant to have great value and a source of historical pride, so for the King's statue to be left in ruins, shows that no one took the time to preserve it. This suggests that the King is not memorable or valuable after all. Also, a person's status or power does not last forever. The poet is able to make this point by using irony.