"Ozymandias"

Ozymandias —
Identify the speaker, was the poet himself, or just an anybody, looking at the world in a different view of most
Identify the situation of occasion
What’s happening: A traveler is telling the speaker about a ruined vase in the desert
When: Any where, probably a deserted place
Where: Around the mid 1800's perhaps around that place in time considering the language and comparisons made by the speaker
The Tone / Purpose: Wise, smartbut sad. Has a old'ish tone to it, as it talks about a vase worn by sand and wind. It’s purpose is that all good things must come to an end, no matter how priceless, powerful, or beautiful.
The author achieves the effect of “insightful sadness” by writing about a potter, Ozymandias, who made a great vase and placed it on a pedestal. Nature ravaged his vase, and all that remains is the pedestal, with a plaque on it.