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.