Percy Bysshe Shelley's "Ozymandias" and Robert Browning's "My Last Duchess" are two poems that are often compared due to their similarities in terms of themes and style. Both poems explore the concept of power and the dangers that come with it. However, they differ in the way they present their ideas and the characters involved. In this article, we will compare and contrast these two famous poems.

Themes

One of the most prominent themes in both "Ozymandias" and "My Last Duchess" is the idea of power and its corrupting influence. In "Ozymandias," Shelley depicts the ruins of a statue of a once-great king, whose power and glory have long since faded away. In contrast, "My Last Duchess" portrays a powerful Duke who is obsessed with his own status and control.

Another theme in both poems is the idea of art and its ability to capture the essence of a person or a moment in time. In "Ozymandias," the statue is a representation of the king's power and legacy, while in "My Last Duchess," the portrait of the Duchess captures her beauty and innocence, which the Duke seeks to control and possess.

Style and Structure

While both poems are written in the form of dramatic monologues, they differ in their structure and style. "Ozymandias" is written in sonnet form, with a strict rhyme scheme and meter, which gives the poem a sense of order and control. In contrast, "My Last Duchess" is written in rhyming couplets, which gives the poem a more conversational tone.

The language used in both poems also differs. Shelley's use of descriptive language and imagery helps to create a vivid picture of the ruined statue and the once-great king. Browning, on the other hand, uses language to convey the Duke's arrogance and sense of entitlement.

Characters

The characters in both poems are complex and multi-dimensional. In "Ozymandias," the king is portrayed as a powerful and ambitious leader, but also as someone who is arrogant and full of himself. In contrast, the Duke in "My Last Duchess" is depicted as a jealous and possessive man who is willing to use his power to control his wife.

Despite these differences, both characters share a sense of entitlement and a belief in their own superiority. They are also both obsessed with power and control, which ultimately leads to their downfall.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "Ozymandias" and "My Last Duchess" are two poems that explore similar themes, but differ in terms of their style, structure, and characters. Both poems are examples of the power of poetry to capture the essence of a moment in time and to convey complex emotions and ideas. Whether you prefer Shelley's sonnet form or Browning's rhyming couplets, both poems are sure to leave a lasting impression on the reader.

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