Page 2: Consequences of Power Abuse and the Cycle of Power
This page delves deeper into the consequences of power abuse in My Last Duchess and compares the cycle of power in both poems.
In My Last Duchess, the Duke's pride is hurt by what he perceives as his wife's flirtatious behavior and lack of appreciation for his "nine-hundred-years-old name." His arrogance and lust for power are implied to have led to the Duchess's death.
Quote: "I gave commands; Then all smiles stopped together."
Both poems represent the cycle of power, demonstrating how it can be abused and its temporary nature. In Ozymandias, the once-powerful ruler is forgotten by history, with only ruins remaining of his works.
Highlight: The poems showcase how the abuse of power often leads to its loss.
In My Last Duchess, the relationship between abuse of power and losing it is portrayed differently. The Duke's abuse of power leads to the Duchess losing her power and, ultimately, her life.
Analysis: The comparison between Ozymandias and My Last Duchess reveals how both poems explore the consequences of unchecked power and pride, albeit through different narrative approaches.
