My Last Duchess vs Ozymandias Flashcards
- Power and Objectification
MLD
“That’s my last Duchess…a piece of wonder.”
1. Highlights his desire for control and possession, he sees her as an object to be admired and controlled
2. As opposed to viewing her as an individual who has autonomy.
3. This could be to criticise the lack of rights that women had during that time.
- Power, Ozymandias
“Half sunk, a shattered visage.”
1. Suggests a loss of dominance and authority as the face that once commanded fear, lies broken
2. Lost his control of how his legacy will be perceived by others, shows his failure to maintain his control.
3. Ironic as despite his claims to be an immortal ruler, his statue now serves as a testament to the fleeting nature of power.
4. Serves as a powerful reminder of the transient nature of power and futile seeking power is.
Abuse of Power- My Last Duchess
Small Scale
“I gave commands, then all smiles stopped together.”
1. Euphemism for murder
2. Shows the control that he has over other people’s lives and how he is able to exercise it so quickly and callously
3. Also reveals his lack of control as he has to resort to such drastic measures and fear tactics
4. Alludes to the Duke of Ferrara and died under suspicious circumstances, Browning was absolutely fascinated by it.
5. Way to criticise society in a discreet way by referring to another time period.
Abuse of Power-Ozymandias
Large Scale
“A wrinkled lip and sneer of cold command.”
1. Shows his contempt for his subjects
2. Allows him to exploit and torture the people he rules over with no remorse.
3. Shelley’s way of showing the danger of one person have unlimited power.
Transient Nature of Power: Duchess
“Notice Neptune, though ,Taming a sea horse, thought a rarity.”
1. Shows how he views himself as a God, that has a duty to tame his wife, shows his hubris.
2. Shows his materialism
3. Shows how his legacy is tied to something so fleeting and impermanent
4. Making it ironic
Transient Nature of Power
“Look on my works, ye Mighty and despair.
1.
