What Does 'Mocked' Mean in Percy Bysshe Shelley's Ozymandias?

'Mocked' in Ozymandias represents the sculptor's skill in mimicking the king's expression, symbolizing power's fleeting nature.

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In 'Ozymandias' by Percy Bysshe Shelley, 'mocked' refers to how the sculptor captured and mimicked the expressions and passions of the subject, Ozymandias, in the statue. It highlights both the skill of the artist and the hubris of the king, symbolizing the fleeting nature of power.

FAQs & Answers

  1. What is the significance of the word 'mocked' in Ozymandias? 'Mocked' refers to how the sculptor skillfully captured and mimicked Ozymandias's expressions, highlighting the artist's talent and the king's arrogance.
  2. Who is Ozymandias in Percy Bysshe Shelley's poem? Ozymandias is a once-powerful ancient king whose ruined statue symbolizes the impermanence of power and legacy.
  3. How does Shelley portray the theme of power in Ozymandias? Shelley uses the ruined statue and the word 'mocked' to show that great power is temporary and subject to time's decay.