Shelley's "Ozymandias" is a sonnet consisting of 14 lines, following the traditional structure of a Petrarchan or Italian sonnet, with a specific rhyme scheme and volta, or turn, in the middle. The structure of the sonnet significantly impacts the delivery of the message in the poem.

Structure of the Sonnet

Petrarchan Sonnet Form

The poem adheres to the traditional Petrarchan sonnet structure, divided into an octave(eight lines) and a sestet (six lines). This division allows for a shift in the tone or argument, often known as the volta.

Rhyme Scheme

The rhyme scheme of the sonnet is ABABACDCEDEFEF. The rhyme scheme of the octet (ABABACDC) sets up the argument or description of the situation, while the sestet (EDEFEF) provides a resolution or a contrasting viewpoint.

Volta or Turn

The volta in a Petrarchan sonnet usually occurs at the ninth line, marking a turn in the poem's theme or argument. In "Ozymandias," the volta marks a shift from describing the remnants of the statue to the traveler's reflections on the ruler's arrogance and legacy.

Impact on Message Delivery

Contrast and Resolution

The structured division of the sonnet into octet and sestet allows for a contrast between the description of the ruins and the traveler's contemplation, offering a resolution or reflection on the message conveyed. This structure enhances the impact of the contrasting themes of grandeur and decay, pride and insignificance.

Emphasis on Irony and Reflection

The volta in the sonnet accentuates the irony present in the poem. It marks the transition from the description of the physical ruins to the traveler's contemplation on the futility of Ozymandias' prideful boasts, adding depth to the message.

Conciseness and Impactful Imagery

The sonnet's structure necessitates conciseness, compelling Shelley to condense the message into a restricted form. This constraint encourages impactful imagery and succinct language, enhancing the potency of the poem's themes within a confined structure.

Emotional Impact and Resonance

The structured nature of the sonnet, with its carefully crafted rhyme scheme and volta, contributes to the emotional impact and resonance of the poem. The structured form allows the message to be delivered with heightened emotional and intellectual impact.

In summary, the sonnet form in "Ozymandias" enhances the delivery of the message by structuring the contrast between past grandeur and present decay, emphasizing the irony of pride and insignificance, and enabling succinct yet impactful contemplation on the transient nature of power and human accomplishments. The form's structured division and volta facilitate a more profound exploration of the poem's themes within a confined and structured framework.