"Ozymandias," written by Percy Bysshe Shelley in 1817, is one of the most famous sonnets in English literature. It explores the themes of mortality, the transient nature of power, and the endurance of art. 1.Historical Context The Subject: Ozymandias is the Greek name for the Egyptian Pharaoh Ramses II (Ramses the Great), who reigned in the 13th century BCE. The Competition: Shelley wrote the poem as part of a friendly competition with his friend Horace Smith . Inspiration: Both were inspired by the British Museum's announcement of the acquisition of a massive fragment of a statue of Ramses II. Political Undertones: Shelley, a radical and anti-monarchist, used the ancient figure to subtly critique contemporary rulers, specifically King George III , without facing direct censorship. 2. Structure and Form Format: It is a 14-line sonnet written in iambic pentameter . Rhyme Scheme: Shelley used an unconventional, inter...
The Heart of the Tree Poet: Henry Cuyler Bunner Year of Publication: 1893 Poem Type: Lyrical poem Henry Cuyler Bunner was an American poet, novelist, playwright and journalist who wrote poems and stories about the places he lived in and the people he saw. Central Idea: The Heart of a Tree is a poem in praise of trees as well as the people who plant them. The poem reminds us that trees are useful to human beings and many other creatures. They will continue to benefit future generations. It says that the act of planting a tree is linked with the progress of humankind.The poem glorifies tree planting as a noble act that benefits nature, humanity, and the nation. Introduction “The Heart of the Tree” celebrates the simple act of planting a tree and presents it as an action with far-reaching environmental, social, moral, and national consequences. Through repeated questioning and vivid imagery, the poet explains how planting a tree nurtures nature, future generations, and the sp...