M.L.D + Ozymandias

• Thesis

  Both suggest that pride and power leads to oppression- but with different subjects of oppression. Both suggest humanity's pride/power origin is one's love for oneself and it also is unfounded - lost over time
• point 1

  Both overarchingly suggest humanity's power is groundless
• point 2

  Both show symbols of oppression

  -MLD- Duchess is shown as the symbol of oppression

  -Ozymandias- statue is used as symbol for all institutes "cold command" and their cruel and harsh oppression.
• Point 1- MLD

  "she thanked men-" "thanked them somehow-" "I know not how-"
• Point 1- MLD "she thanked them-"


  -caesura

  -lack of control over what he says

  -this works to demonstrate his lack of skill in speech

  -shows weakness of character

  -his power is constantly undermined by the caesura

  - power lost over time as poem progresses - his power is ephemeral
• Point 1- Ozymandias

  "look on my works"
• Point 1- Ozy "look on my works"

  -dramatic irony - used to ridicule him

  -King expects his empire to survive

  -shows human power is transient

  -shows kings hubristic nature

  -naivety of expectation ridicules him, portraying him as weak
• Point 2- MLD

  "I gave commands; Then all smiles stopped together"
• Point 2- MLD "I gave commands.."

  -Euphemism of murder

  -Duchess is the subject of oppression and the result of the Duke's mad obsession with power and control

  -euphemistic language demonstrates Duke's abuse of power and cowardice- lacks courage to go and do heinous deed himself.
• Point 2- Ozymandias

  statue's "sneer of cold command"
• Point 2- Ozy "sneer of cold command."

  -personification of statue

  -statue is used as a symbol for all figures of power.

  -alludes to cruel and harsh oppression by the "cold" commands that were given

  -Shelly berates those in power
• Point 3

  Pride origin is love for oneself and their power
• Point 3- MLD

  duke loves his "nine hundred year old name"
• Point 3- MLD "nine hundred year..."

  -duke's hubris and arrogance about his name suggests his vanity and abuse of power

  -exposes his narcissism

  -feels entitles to authority and control because of his power
• Point 3- Ozymandias

  "My name is Ozymandias, king of kings"
• Point 3- "my name is Ozymandias.."

  -his pride and arrogance led to his perception of him as the "king of kings"

  -criticises other leaders and their ability to rule

  -suggests he views himself as omnipotent - pride and self love has led to illusioned thought of his deep-rooted power