Question

Which might the traveler be referring as "them," that were mocked by the hand of ozymandias?

1) a "my works"
2) "these words"
3) "those passions"
4) "trunkless legs"
5) "lifeless things"

Answer 1

In Shelley's "Ozymandias," the traveler is referring to "those passions" as what were mocked by the hand of Ozymandias, indicating the transient nature of power and grandeur.

Step-by-step explanation:

The traveler in Percy Bysshe Shelley's poem "Ozymandias" refers to "those passions" as what was mocked by the hand of Ozymandias. In the context of the poem, Ozymandias (or Ramses II) had a statue built to project his power and greatness, with a pedestal that reads, "Look on my works, ye Mighty, and despair!" However, the irony is that his grand empire and great works are now in ruins, demonstrating that passions for power and pride can eventually be reduced to "lifeless things." Shelley's poem conveys the idea that no matter how mighty one considers themselves, time erases all.