Introduction

Grade 9 students are often asked to compare and contrast different literary works in their English classes. One common assignment is to write an essay comparing the poems "Ozymandias" by Percy Bysshe Shelley and "London" by William Blake. Both poems deal with the theme of power and its effects on society, but they approach the topic in different ways. In this essay, we will explore the similarities and differences between "Ozymandias" and "London" and analyze what the poets are trying to say about power and its consequences.

Overview of Ozymandias

"Ozymandias" is a sonnet written by Percy Bysshe Shelley in 1818. The poem tells the story of a traveler who comes across the ruins of a statue of a once-powerful king, Ozymandias. The statue is in pieces, and the inscription on the pedestal reads, "My name is Ozymandias, king of kings: Look on my works, ye Mighty, and despair!" However, the traveler notes that nothing remains of Ozymandias's empire except for the ruins of his statue. The poem is often interpreted as a commentary on the transience of power and the futility of trying to leave a lasting legacy.

Overview of London

"London" is a poem written by William Blake in 1794. The poem describes the misery and oppression of the people living in London during the Industrial Revolution. Blake uses vivid imagery to depict the poverty, despair, and hopelessness of the working class, as well as the corruption and hypocrisy of the church and the government. The poem is often seen as a critique of the social and political conditions of the time, as well as a call to action to address the injustices of the system.

Comparison of Themes

Both "Ozymandias" and "London" deal with the theme of power and its consequences. In "Ozymandias," the power is embodied in the figure of the king and his empire. However, the poem suggests that this power is fleeting and ultimately meaningless in the grand scheme of things. The broken statue serves as a reminder that even the mightiest rulers will eventually be forgotten.

In "London," the power is held by the ruling class, the church, and the government. However, this power is shown to be oppressive and corrupt, leading to the suffering and misery of the working class. The poem suggests that those in power are responsible for the social and economic conditions that plague society, and that only by addressing these issues can true change be achieved.

Comparison of Imagery

The imagery used in "Ozymandias" is striking and memorable. The image of the broken statue, with the inscription "Look on my works, ye Mighty, and despair!" is a powerful symbol of the transience of power. The shattered pieces of the statue scattered in the sand suggest that even the most grandiose monuments will eventually crumble to dust.

The imagery in "London" is similarly vivid and evocative. Blake uses sensory details to paint a picture of the city as a place of darkness and despair. The "chartered" streets and "every face" marked with "marks of weakness, marks of woe" suggest a society in which every individual is oppressed and hopeless.

Comparison of Tone

The tone of "Ozymandias" is melancholy and reflective. The poem suggests a sense of resignation to the inevitability of decline and decay. The traveler's observation that "nothing beside remains" suggests a kind of acceptance that all things must come to an end.

The tone of "London" is angry and accusatory. Blake's use of language and imagery suggests a sense of outrage at the injustice and oppression of the system. The repetition of the word "every" in the second stanza emphasizes the ubiquity of suffering in the city, and the final lines of the poem, with their reference to the "mind-forged manacles" of the oppressed, suggest a call to action to break free from these chains.

Conclusion

Both "Ozymandias" and "London" are powerful poems that deal with important themes and issues. While they approach these topics in different ways, they share a common message about the consequences of power and the need for change. By comparing and contrasting these two works, students can gain a deeper understanding of the complexities of literature and the world around them.

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