![]() ![]() Sometime before 1985, Veidt realized that as the Cold War raged on, the human race grew closer each day to nuclear annihilation, and decided to become its savior. Ozymandias grew to be a very egotistical and prideful man, but kept a very calm and reserved stance much of the time. With other crimefighters, he was a founding member of the Crimebusters, alongside Silk Spectre, Nite Owl, the Comedian, Rorschach, and the powerful and godlike Doctor Manhattan. Wanting more, he donned a purple and gold suit and became the costumed crimefighter "Ozymandias", using his incredible intelligence and acrobatics to fight criminals. They both died when he was young, and so with his exceptional intelligence and wealth, he built the massive commercial empire of Veidt Enterprises as an adult. From The Walking Dead to the politics of places such as the European Union, we too, should remember that power is fleeting, and is more happy to desert us, to embrace another.Ĭheck Snowy Fictions out on Twitter (new!), Youtube (also new) and Facebook today.Adrian Veidt was born on July 2, 1939, to wealthy socialites Friedrich Werner Veidt and Ingrid Renata Veidt in New York City. ![]() Whilst only two examples are given here, the poem is relevant to real life and fiction. In conclusion, Ozymandias by Shelley is a terrific poem. It’s those things that make Watchmen one of, if not the, greatest comic of all time. He displays the ways a character may gain power when it seems they are losing it. Whereas a weaker writer may get caught up in the ‘power levels’ of their characters, Alan Moore opts for a more nuanced take. Manhattan: “Without condoning or condemning, I understand.” Although Adrian is condemned to a life without relating to anyone, he can at least take some peace in knowing that there is another being who understands his actions here. ![]() Adrian launches the controls ‘thirty minutes ago’ and his plan occurs, much to the horror of Walter Kovacs, “Rorschach” and Daniel Dreiberg, “Nite Owl II.” Yet what makes Moore’s graphic novel excellent is that the reader deals with the concept that Adrian was right. In a simple story, the ‘good guys’ would stop Adrian. The ‘twist’ of Watchmen is that Adrian Veidt, in an attempt to solve the Cold War tensions, was plotting to destroy major cities across the world, and blame Dr. Rather- the Ozymandias transformation lies in Adrian gaining power. (Unless you count losing the respect of his friends as a loss). Those familiar with the graphic novel would know that Adrian Veidt does not really lose his power, influence or wealth. Walter White’s story is straight out of a Shakespeare tragedy, and that’s why it is difficult to not love it.Īs for Ozymandias (Adrian Veidt), one of the six Watchmen, things are more complex. Not only does this fit into the ‘power is fleeting’ theme, but also reminds us of the tragic elements of power. Yet that all crumbles in the episode ‘Ozymandias’, where his decisions lead to his fall. Over the course of Breaking Bad, we see the rise of Walter White from a humiliated chemistry teacher to drug lord. In the 21st century, Ozymandias will spark two characters in pop culture: Ozymandias, from Alan Moore’s graphic novel Watchmen, and Walter White from the acclaimed television show Breaking Bad. But if that is the case, then so is human’s relationship with it. So, what can we learn from the poem? We know power is fragile. Other badlands include graveyards on a rainy day, ghost towns, or even the current state of our world during a global pandemic.Īll of this reminds us that although Ozymandias references history long ago, we too, can still fall. For example, Pripyat in Ukraine (better known for the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant). Also, the wasteland imagery will conjure up pictures of abandoned lands in our present. And there is plenty to gain from studying Shelley’s poem. What is also great about Ozymandias is that it rewards multiple readings. But more than that, it symbolizes the death and decay that only a fallen ruler who has watched his kingdom die would know. The end poem is brilliant: it’s melancholic, it’s frightening, it’s thrilling. With a few lines, Shelley manages to convey deep, political meaning and add a historically-charged tension. Ozymandias is a well-known poem, and it is for a good reason.
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