While I was initially interested in this poem due to the Breaking Bad reference, that episode is number 1 on IMDB; I was immediately fascinated by it. The whole concept of a falling kingdom is tragic, though the poem describes it ironically, which particularly intrigued me.

Line 7 is a good depiction of this: “Which yet survive, stamped on these lifeless things” (7). This poem forces the reader to question the meaning of the word survive. Because, in truth, Ozymandias has a remembered name. His name did “survive,” as evidenced by the “traveler” who told the story about his engraving. With that being said, his legacy died. His name is only known by a small collective of people, which is a significant fall from power since he self-proclaimed himself to be the “king of kings.” 

The shift in tone is also extraordinary, encapsulated in lines 10-12. 
     “My name is Ozymandias, king of kings:
      Look on my works, ye Mighty, and despair!”
      Nothing beside remains.
      (10-12)
This again shows the irony presented here, as Ozymandias’ empire no longer exists. It makes it tragically humorous that he encourages whoever shall approach to behold all that he has built but only to see nothing but desert. It is also interesting to note that this poem can be read as three sentences. This emphasizes the second sentence, only three words: “Nothing beside remains.” This evokes such power with the depiction of such a fall from power. Going back to what the poem initially asks, what does survival mean? Ozymandias’s name can be remembered due to the inscription, but the evidence behind his claim has long been destroyed. 

Ozymandias depicts the fall of a kingdom and how one’s legacy may be altered with that fall or destroyed entirely.