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The central theme of "Ozymandias" is the inevitable decline of all leaders, and of the empires they build, however mighty in their own time.

The might and majesty of a king do not last; only great art endures. The statue, symbolizing the power and glory of the pharaoh,  is crumbling. Yet the arrogant sneer on the "shattered visage" remains intact as a testament to the ability of the sculptor to read and capture the passions of his ruler. Thus, it is the pharaoh's lowly servant, the sculptor, who delivers the more powerful message here. The king's message–"look on my works, ye Mighty, and despair"–is an ironic indictment of his pride. Oddly, though, Shelley's theme–valid as a general statement–does not ultimately apply to Ozymandias, or Ramses II. For Ramses remains today perhaps the most famous of Egyptian pharaohs. In addition, many of the monuments erected during his rule  still stand. Shelley's condemnation of tyranny applied as much to the English government of his time as it did to the government of ancient Egypt. It was well known  that he was not a supporter of monarchical government.