Final answer:
The broken condition of the statue in "Ozymandias" represents the ultimate destruction of Ozymandias's empire and the futility of his attempts at immortality. It underscores the poem's theme of the ephemerality of power and human achievements in the face of time.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the poem "Ozymandias," the broken condition of the statue symbolizes the impermanence of human power and the inevitable decline of all empires, regardless of their might at their height. This is illustrated by the desolate setting, the shattered visage, and the pedestal's ironic inscription, which stands in stark contrast to the vast and empty desert surrounding it.
Shelley's poem serves as a cautionary tale about the hubris of rulers who believe their legacies will last forever - a common theme in literature that emphasizes the transient nature of glory and the enduring power of time to render all human accomplishments as dust.