Conflict : set 1

Question 1

If given Ozymandias, which poem would you most likely choose to compare ?

Answer 1

‘My Last Duchess’
Compare
-their power
-arrogance
-How their power is shown through structure and form
-weakness through doubt (MLD) and juxtaposition (Ozy.)

Question 2

Who wrote ‘Ozymandias’?

Answer 2

Perchy Byssche Shelly

• (1792-1822)
• English romantic poet
• wrote ‘Ozymandias’ in 1818

Question 3

What kind of rhyme scheme does ‘My Last Duchess’ have?

Why is this ?

Answer 3

The Duke speaks in rhyming couplets
This suggests he knows what he is going to say next , and could also help to demonstrate his power in that he conducts and controls the conversation , as the messenger can’t interrupt without breaking the form. Also, this means he can direct the conversation in a way that will portray him in the best light.

Question 4

Which quotation in Ozymandias shows the juxtaposition of time , comparing what his power once was to how it has deteriorated?

Answer 4

“Nothing besides remains.Round the decay”

• line 12, shows how his empire has crumbled
• use of the caesura “.” gives a pause to make an implied listener reflect on how time has impacted his legend and what he created during his rule

Question 5

Is ‘My Last Duchess’ in iambic pentameter ? If so or if not, what does this show?

Answer 5

• it is in iambic pentameter (10 syllable lines)
• This shows the Duke is calm and measured in conversation, or that is is a rehearsed conversation he has had many times to remind people of his power

Question 6

What type of poem is ‘Ozymandias’ and how can you tell?

Answer 6

An ironic sonnet

• you can tell this as it is written in iambic pentameter and has 14 lines
• it is ironic as sonnets are love poems , however the reason for ‘Ozy.’ being one is that the only person that loved him was himself

Question 7

For what reason is the rhyme scheme in ‘Ozymandias’ corrupted?

Answer 7

The corrupted rhyme scheme in Ozymandias is to show the cracks in his empire due to his arrogant and harsh rule (also supported by “sneer of cold command”)

Question 8

Which God where Pharaohs said to be a reincarnation of? Which poem is this relevant to?

Answer 8

• Relevant to ‘Ozymandias’
• Pharaohs at the time of the Egyptian civilisation were said to be a reincarnation of the god ‘Horus’.
• It was also a commonly held belief that Pharaohs were “chosen” by God, and were the human embodiment of god (this could be the reason for Ozymandias’ hubris)

Question 9

What is the message of My Last Duchess and who wrote it?

Answer 9

• Robert Browning
• Arrogance of too much power,
• the strain on relationships when power is introduced,
• jealousy can lead to actions that will be regretted

Question 10

What was Shelley’s message in poem ‘Ozymandias’ and why does he use an Egyptian civilisation to convey this ?

Answer 10

• Shelley’s message was an argument against the idea of the monarchy and the government, and the idea that power is innate.
• An ancient civilisation like the Egyptians is used to to emphasise how the monarchy is irrelevant because the idea of it is so outdated, as the Egyptian civilisation is.

Question 11

Analyse thoroughly “sneer of cold command”. Which poem is this from?

Answer 11

• From ‘Ozymandias’ He shows no emotion (“cold”) unforgiving
• “cold command”, the alliteration of “c” is plosive, which implies a harsh rule and the environment in which he ruled.Connotes ruthlessness
• “Sneer” disrespectful, dismissive attitude, could suggest he has a low opinion of or has little care for his people. “Sneer” treats people with derision, is uncaring

Question 12

“(Since none ____ __/ The ______ I have _____ for you, but I )”

My Last Duchess

Answer 12

“(Since none puts by/The curtain I have drawn for you, but I)”

Question 13

What is the meaning of the name “Ozymandias”?

Answer 13

“Ozy” meaning air
“Mandias” meaning to rule
“Ozymandias” meaning to rule air
Could imply he rules everything the air touches , or alternatively could imply he rules nothing as air isn’t a physical thing that can be dominated.

Question 14

“My name is Ozymandias , ____ of _____ : look on my ____, ye ______, and _______ !”

Answer 14

“My name is Ozymandias, king of kings : look on my works , ye Mighty , and despair !”

Question 15

How many wives did the Duke of Ferrara have in his lifetime , and what happened to his last duchess ?

Answer 15

• he had 3 wives in his lifetime

- his last duchess died mysteriously , and there were rumours of foul play (murder)

Question 16

Explain the semantic field in Ozymandias. What type of words is it? What does it show?

Answer 16

Semantic field on “broken”

• “stamped on these lifeless things”
• could show arrogance in power leading to chaos and the breaking down of a society , and maybe disrespect from citizens so they aren’t considerate of anything he has built

Question 17

“(Since none puts by/The curtain I have drawn for you, but I)”

Explain why there is a repetition of the personal pronoun “I”

Answer 17

The repetition of “I”

• shows his constant seeking for recognition, and his desperation to remind people of his power
• to instate his power, to draw attention to how the conversation relates to him and affects him , as if he is searching for agreement and reassurance that his people believe he is right

Question 18

What is the effect of Ozymandias speaking for 2 lines Vs ‘My Last Duchess’ being a dramatic monologue?

Answer 18

‘My Last Duchess’ ,as a dramatic monologue, helps the Duke to conduct and control the conversation , therefore instating his power and securing it. The fact that he is the only one that speaks could also imply that he isn’t stable in his power , so has to restrict everyone else. Ozymandias , however, gets only 2 lines in the sonnet, so his power is restricted and limited. This could present the idea that power deteriorates over time.

Question 18

What is similar about the quotations:
“Look on my works , ye Mighty , and despair!” - ‘Ozymandias’
“Notice Neptune though, taming a seahorse” - ‘My Last Duchess’

Answer 18

They both present arrogance

• “Mighty” (capital M so we know he is talking to someone as it is a name-God-) suggests he is mocking or dismissing God, as he sounds almost sarcastic. Asserting his dominance
• “Neptune though, taming” challenging God,implying that the Duke is so great in his power that he is dominant over Neptune , therefore can possess a statue because Neptune is beneath him

Question 20

What is different about the following quotations :
“Look on my works , ye Mighty, and despair!”
“Notice Neptune , though”

Answer 20

While they both assert their dominance by comparing themselves to a God, they instate their power in slightly different ways
“Look” imperative verb, aggressive and confrontational
However
“Notice” while also and imperative verb , is more subtle and discreet, so the Duke instates his power more suggestively