Answer :
Final answer:
In 'Ozymandias,' the words on the statue's pedestal highlight the poem's irony and the transient nature of power and human achievements, contrasting the king's arrogant claims with the reality of his empire's decay.
Explanation:
The words on the pedestal of Ozymandias's statue in Percy Bysshe Shelley's poem are crucial as they convey a powerful irony and the central theme of the poem. They read, 'My name is Ozymandias, king of kings: Look on my works, ye Mighty, and despair!' This statement is meant to showcase Ozymandias's arrogance and his belief in the everlasting nature of his empire. Yet, the surrounding ruins tell a contrasting story of decay and the ephemeral nature of power and human achievements. The words, juxtaposed with the desolation around the shattered statue, emphasize the transient nature of fame and the inevitable decline of all rulers and civilizations.
