1. Irony and Contrast: The poem juxtaposes the grandiose claims of Ozymandias ("My name is Ozymandias, King of Kings;..." to the desolate reality of his crumbled statue and deserted surroundings. This contrast highlights the irony of his supposed eternal glory and emphasizes the futility of his attempts to achieve immortality through material possessions.
2. Symbolism of the Statue: The shattered statue and the surrounding desert serve as powerful symbols. The statue's broken face represents the fallibility and transience of human achievements, while the vastness of the desert underscores the insignificance of even the mightiest rulers in the face of time and nature.
3. Questioning Legacy: The poem raises questions about the nature of legacy. Instead of being remembered for his deeds or impact, Ozymandias is left with only a fragment of his statue, which itself has been reduced to a tourist attraction. This invites the reader to ponder the true value of power, conquest, and the pursuit of glory.
4. Mortality and Time's Passing: The lines 'Nothing besides remains: Round the decay/ Of that colossal wreck, boundless and bare" emphasize the relentless passage of time and the eventual decay that awaits all human endeavor. Ozymandias' attempts at immortalizing himself through grand structures ultimately succumb to the forces of nature and time, underscoring the transience of human existence.
5. Reader's Reflection: The poem prompts readers to reflect on the nature of power and the human desire for recognition and lasting impact. Shelley challenges readers to consider whether building monuments and seeking eternal glory is a meaningful pursuit, or whether it ultimately leads to disillusionment and decay.
In essence, the reader views Ozymandias achievements with a sense of skepticism, irony, and a recognition of the fragility of power and human ambitions against the backdrop of eternity and the unforgiving forces of time and nature.