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Ozymandias and My Last Duchess are two poems that explore themes of power, pride, and arrogance. Both works demonstrate how excessive pride can lead to the abuse of power and ultimately its temporary nature. The poems showcase rulers who misuse their authority, highlighting the cyclical nature of power and its inevitable decline.
1/18/2023
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This page introduces the comparison between Ozymandias and My Last Duchess, focusing on their shared themes of power, pride, and arrogance. Both poems present the effects of these traits on humans and society.
In Ozymandias, the titular character's power is depicted through his arrogance and abuse of authority. The poem describes him as having a "sneer of cold command" and haughtily challenging other leaders to despair at his might.
Quote: "Look on my works, ye Mighty, and despair!"
The poem emphasizes Ozymandias' pride through the description of his statue and its pedestal, which refers to him as the "King of kings." However, the key point is the temporary nature of power, as Ozymandias' once-great empire has crumbled, leaving only ruins.
Highlight: The temporary nature of power is a central theme in both poems.
My Last Duchess similarly explores the abuse of power and excessive pride leading to arrogance. The Duke, the poem's speaker, is obsessed with control, even dictating who can view the portrait of his late wife.
Example: The Duke's control extends to regulating who can see the portrait of the Last Duchess, demonstrating his obsession with 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.
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The Prelude - quotes and annotations
A mindmap of the poem, The Prelude, quotes, annotations and context included.
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SuSSan, iOS User
Ozymandias and My Last Duchess are two poems that explore themes of power, pride, and arrogance. Both works demonstrate how excessive pride can lead to the abuse of power and ultimately its temporary nature. The poems showcase rulers who misuse their authority, highlighting the cyclical nature of power and its inevitable decline.
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This page introduces the comparison between Ozymandias and My Last Duchess, focusing on their shared themes of power, pride, and arrogance. Both poems present the effects of these traits on humans and society.
In Ozymandias, the titular character's power is depicted through his arrogance and abuse of authority. The poem describes him as having a "sneer of cold command" and haughtily challenging other leaders to despair at his might.
Quote: "Look on my works, ye Mighty, and despair!"
The poem emphasizes Ozymandias' pride through the description of his statue and its pedestal, which refers to him as the "King of kings." However, the key point is the temporary nature of power, as Ozymandias' once-great empire has crumbled, leaving only ruins.
Highlight: The temporary nature of power is a central theme in both poems.
My Last Duchess similarly explores the abuse of power and excessive pride leading to arrogance. The Duke, the poem's speaker, is obsessed with control, even dictating who can view the portrait of his late wife.
Example: The Duke's control extends to regulating who can see the portrait of the Last Duchess, demonstrating his obsession with power.
Free notes for every subject, made by the best students
Get better grades with smart AI support
Study smarter, stress less - anytime, anywhere
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
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.
English Literature - Love and hatred in Othello
a summary of this key theme throughout the play
27
665
1
English Literature - Macbeth context mindmap
Shakespeare and Macbeth mind map. helps for WM and more.
13
167
0
English Literature - Eric Birling
Eric Birling Revision boxes
60
1330
0
English Literature - attitudes to mental illness - A Streetcar Named Desire context
Notes of attitudes to mental illness - relates to A Streetcar Named Desire with regards to context purposes
12
503
1
English Literature - lord of the flies - piggys glasses analysis
model essay on piggys glasses
18
490
0
English Literature - The Prelude - quotes and annotations
A mindmap of the poem, The Prelude, quotes, annotations and context included.
7
597
0
Average App Rating
Students use Knowunity
In Education App Charts in 12 Countries
Students uploaded study notes
iOS User
Stefan S, iOS User
SuSSan, iOS User
