Symbolism and theme

Symbolism is used by writers to help convey their theme to the reader. In Ozymandias, for example, the king's fallen statues symbolize the frailty of mankind and how time ultimately conquers all. Even the "great" King Ozymandias can't withstand time. Piercy Shelley's symbolism in this poem helps clarify the theme of time and it's affects on life to the reader. Likewise, in Andrew Marvell's poem, To His Coy Mistress, the speaker's uses hyperbolic language symbolizing his longing for the woman. The image of dew connotes how life (especially youth) is merely temporary and that it's best to submit to temptation in regards to love and pleasure. The speaker's urgency to be with her before their time runs out is the overall theme of Marvell's poem and thanks to symbolism, the theme is easily recognizable to the reader.