My Last Duchess and Ozymandiasare two powerful poems exploring... Show more
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7 Jan 2023
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Ozymandias Analysis and My Last Duchess Poem: How is Power Presented?
Cinzia
@cinzia.ewr
The Temporary Nature of Power in "Ozymandias"
Percy Bysshe Shelley's poem "Ozymandias" explores the theme of power from a different angle, focusing on its temporary nature. The poem describes a ruined statue of a once-powerful king in a desert landscape.
Example: The statue's inscription boasts of the king's power, but the statue itself is now a "colossal wreck."
This ironic contrast between the king's boastful words and the statue's current state emphasizes how even the mightiest human power is ultimately fleeting.
Vocabulary: Irony - A state of affairs or an event that seems deliberately contrary to what one expects.
The poem uses vivid imagery to describe the statue:
Quote: "Half sunk, a shattered visage lies, whose frown, and wrinkled lip, and sneer of cold command..."
This description shows how time and nature have eroded the once-imposing statue, suggesting that natural forces are more powerful and enduring than human authority.
The final lines of the poem reinforce this theme:
Quote: "Nothing beside remains. Round the decay / Of that colossal wreck, boundless and bare / The lone and level sands stretch far away."
These lines emphasize the vast, enduring desert landscape in contrast to the ruined statue, highlighting the insignificance of human power in the face of time and nature.
Structural Elements Reinforcing Themes of Power
Both poems use their structure to reinforce their themes about power, but in different ways.
"Ozymandias" is a sonnet, but it doesn't follow the regular sonnet rhyme scheme. This structural choice reflects the poem's theme of how human power and structure can be easily destroyed. The use of disrupted iambic pentameter further emphasizes this idea.
Definition: Iambic pentameter - A common meter in poetry consisting of a line with five feet, each foot containing an unstressed syllable followed by a stressed syllable.
In contrast, "My Last Duchess" uses rhyming couplets, creating a rigid form that mirrors the Duke's controlling nature. This strict structure leaves no room for change or questioning, much like the Duke's inflexible attitude.
Highlight: The rigid rhyme scheme in "My Last Duchess" reflects the Duke's controlling personality and leaves no space for alternative viewpoints.
The poem is written as a dramatic monologue, giving the impression of a one-sided conversation. The use of iambic pentameter in this context creates a conversational, almost chatty tone, which contrasts with the dark subject matter.
These structural choices in both poems serve to deepen our understanding of how power is presented and explored in each work.
Page 4: Technical Elements
The final page concludes with technical analysis of the poems' meters and tones.
Highlight: The use of iambic pentameter in My Last Duchess creates a conversational tone appropriate to its dramatic monologue format.
Vocabulary: Rhyming couplets - pairs of lines that rhyme with each other.
Example: The chatty tone created by the meter reflects the Duke's conversation with his visitor.
Power and Control in "My Last Duchess"
The poem "My Last Duchess" by Robert Browning explores the theme of power through the perspective of a controlling Duke. The Duke's anger and desire for control over his wife are central to the poem's narrative.
Highlight: The Duke's increasing anger throughout the poem stems from his inability to control his wife.
The Duke's frustration is evident in his description of the Duchess:
Quote: "She had a heart—how shall I say?—too soon made glad, too easily impressed."
This quote reveals the Duke's displeasure with his wife's open and friendly nature, which he perceives as a threat to his authority.
The poem strongly implies that the Duke's need for control led to drastic actions:
Quote: "Then all smiles stopped together."
This ambiguous line suggests that the Duke may have had his wife killed to assert his ultimate control over her.
Vocabulary: Ambiguous - Open to more than one interpretation; not having one obvious meaning.
Even after her death, the Duke continues to exert power over his wife's memory:
Quote: "None puts by the curtain I have drawn for you, but I."
This line illustrates how the Duke now controls who can view his wife's portrait, treating her memory as another possession to be controlled and displayed at his discretion.
Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
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The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
Ozymandias Analysis and My Last Duchess Poem: How is Power Presented?
Cinzia
@cinzia.ewr
My Last Duchess and Ozymandiasare two powerful poems exploring themes of control, power, and human mortality. Both works demonstrate how power can corrupt and ultimately prove temporary, though they approach this theme from different angles - Browning through a... Show more
The Temporary Nature of Power in "Ozymandias"
Percy Bysshe Shelley's poem "Ozymandias" explores the theme of power from a different angle, focusing on its temporary nature. The poem describes a ruined statue of a once-powerful king in a desert landscape.
Example: The statue's inscription boasts of the king's power, but the statue itself is now a "colossal wreck."
This ironic contrast between the king's boastful words and the statue's current state emphasizes how even the mightiest human power is ultimately fleeting.
Vocabulary: Irony - A state of affairs or an event that seems deliberately contrary to what one expects.
The poem uses vivid imagery to describe the statue:
Quote: "Half sunk, a shattered visage lies, whose frown, and wrinkled lip, and sneer of cold command..."
This description shows how time and nature have eroded the once-imposing statue, suggesting that natural forces are more powerful and enduring than human authority.
The final lines of the poem reinforce this theme:
Quote: "Nothing beside remains. Round the decay / Of that colossal wreck, boundless and bare / The lone and level sands stretch far away."
These lines emphasize the vast, enduring desert landscape in contrast to the ruined statue, highlighting the insignificance of human power in the face of time and nature.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Structural Elements Reinforcing Themes of Power
Both poems use their structure to reinforce their themes about power, but in different ways.
"Ozymandias" is a sonnet, but it doesn't follow the regular sonnet rhyme scheme. This structural choice reflects the poem's theme of how human power and structure can be easily destroyed. The use of disrupted iambic pentameter further emphasizes this idea.
Definition: Iambic pentameter - A common meter in poetry consisting of a line with five feet, each foot containing an unstressed syllable followed by a stressed syllable.
In contrast, "My Last Duchess" uses rhyming couplets, creating a rigid form that mirrors the Duke's controlling nature. This strict structure leaves no room for change or questioning, much like the Duke's inflexible attitude.
Highlight: The rigid rhyme scheme in "My Last Duchess" reflects the Duke's controlling personality and leaves no space for alternative viewpoints.
The poem is written as a dramatic monologue, giving the impression of a one-sided conversation. The use of iambic pentameter in this context creates a conversational, almost chatty tone, which contrasts with the dark subject matter.
These structural choices in both poems serve to deepen our understanding of how power is presented and explored in each work.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Page 4: Technical Elements
The final page concludes with technical analysis of the poems' meters and tones.
Highlight: The use of iambic pentameter in My Last Duchess creates a conversational tone appropriate to its dramatic monologue format.
Vocabulary: Rhyming couplets - pairs of lines that rhyme with each other.
Example: The chatty tone created by the meter reflects the Duke's conversation with his visitor.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Power and Control in "My Last Duchess"
The poem "My Last Duchess" by Robert Browning explores the theme of power through the perspective of a controlling Duke. The Duke's anger and desire for control over his wife are central to the poem's narrative.
Highlight: The Duke's increasing anger throughout the poem stems from his inability to control his wife.
The Duke's frustration is evident in his description of the Duchess:
Quote: "She had a heart—how shall I say?—too soon made glad, too easily impressed."
This quote reveals the Duke's displeasure with his wife's open and friendly nature, which he perceives as a threat to his authority.
The poem strongly implies that the Duke's need for control led to drastic actions:
Quote: "Then all smiles stopped together."
This ambiguous line suggests that the Duke may have had his wife killed to assert his ultimate control over her.
Vocabulary: Ambiguous - Open to more than one interpretation; not having one obvious meaning.
Even after her death, the Duke continues to exert power over his wife's memory:
Quote: "None puts by the curtain I have drawn for you, but I."
This line illustrates how the Duke now controls who can view his wife's portrait, treating her memory as another possession to be controlled and displayed at his discretion.
Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user