Subtext: Conversations about Classic Books and Films Our Name is Subtext, Podcast of Podcasts. Hear our “Ozymandias” Discussion, Ye Listeners, and Despair!
Oct 11, 2021
Dive into the exquisite layers of Percy Bysshe Shelley's 'Ozymandias' as guests explore its themes of hubris and temporality. The poem's connection to modern storytelling and the nuances of artistic representation spark compelling discussions. They ponder the irony of monumental art, where grandeur meets decay. Delve into the complexity of character portrayal and the clash between authenticity and exaggeration. A thought-provoking examination of art's power transcends time and gives voice to our shared human experience.
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Art Preserves What Power Cannot
- Shelley’s "Ozymandias" links hubris with art’s power to preserve passions across time.
- The poem suggests creative power can outlive and escape the creator’s control.
Ozymandias In Pop Culture
- The hosts note the poem appears in modern media like Alien Covenant and Breaking Bad.
- Erin jokes about Ridley Scott and the space jockey being Shelley fans.
A Sonnet Born From A Contest
- Shelley’s sonnet was written as a friendly competition inspired by Egyptian artifacts.
- Horace Smith wrote a companion sonnet; both drew on Diodorus’s account of an inscription.
