30/30 Response [Band 6]

Compare how poets present ideas about the effects of power in ‘My Last Duchess’
and in one other poem from ‘Power and Conflict’.

Both ‘My Last Duchess’ (MLD) and ‘Ozymandias’ explore the theme of the effects of power;
‘Ozymandias’ yous with the equilibrium between natural power and man’s power, and MLD
provides an insight into the ramifications of a one sided, domestic power control.

In ‘Ozymandias’, Shelly reveals how misuse of power leads to one’s downfall. In the imagery,
“Sunk…shattered visage”, we see the ramifications of corruption in powerful positions.
“sunk” reflects the negative status ozymandias now has, which contrasts to before where he
was a feared ruder, as seen in the sonnet. “Shattered” mirrors Ozymandias's shattered
Legacy and power which is now non-existent. Perhaps Shelley is highlighting the short-term,
temporary nature of human constructed Power, which ultimately Falls. Shelly also draws
upon romanticism where institutions and power in society is criticised. Perhaps Shelly was
indirectly criticising King George III who indulged in oppression, corruption and warfare, as
direct political diatribes are not allowed in King George's reign. Therefore perhaps Shelley is
consciously crafted “visage” to mirror the negative trajectory misused power has on one's
life, and perhaps targeted this at King George.
Similarly, in ‘My Last Duchess’ Browning explores how one-sided domestic power leads to
destruction. the pronoun “My” implies object objectification of the Duchess. She is a
commodity who is traded in the Dukes eyes. “My” adds to the sense of patriarchal Society
which is fueled by the objectification of women. “My” is repeated many times in ‘My Last
Duchess’, including the title, and perhaps browning consciously crafted these to reflect the
oppressive nature of one-sided domestic power. This can also be seen in the use of
dramatic monologue, free verse, iambic pentameter, and rhyme scheme, and all mirroring
the one-sided power the duke has. Due to the one-sided power, the destruction of the
Duchess is hinted. This may be a thinly veiled attack on Duke Alfonso of Ferrara, whose
story on his wife's mirrors Brownings. This contrasts with ozymandias, as the oppressors'
power was retained, however Shelly talks about how the oppressor will face downfall as
ramifications of their actions. This shows how Shelly and Browning present contrasting forms
of power, and the aftermath of the actions.

In “Ozymandias”, Shelly explores how the power of nature will restore the equilibrium
between nature and Man, as an effect of man attempting to shift its equilibrium. In the
plosive "lone, level... far away", we are presented with the destruction of man made power
by the omnipotent power of nature. The significance of it being the final line suggests that
Shelley may be attempting to warn against pride as nature and time will overpower it. This
links to, and draws ideas from, romanticism, where nature is championed, and nature is
subverted from being ‘mother nature’ to a destructive Force. This is also reflected in the
structure of ‘ozymandias’, which involves a mixture between Shakespeare sonnet and
petrarchan sonnets. The consciously crafted merge between the two sonnets may have
been to criticise power attained politically, which is short term, futile and will eventually be
championed by nature, similar to how the two forms of sonnets are toyed with by Shelly, who
isn't being obsequious to traditional literature norms. The flattening of Ozymandias’ empire
implies the restoration of equilibrium between man’s power and natural power, and this
shows how the overstepping of man-made power leads to detrimental effects, such as the
equilibrium being restored.
Browning explores how domestic power is a catalyst for pride. In the metaphor “Neptune...
taming seahorse”, we see Neptune the God of the sea and a measly seahorse. The
omnipotence of “Neptune” against a “seahorse” mirrors the powerlessness of the Duchess in
comparison to the Duke. “Neptune” could also imply the vastness of the sea in comparison
to the seahorse, further reiterating the idea of domestic power. Furthermore, this quote was
said after the Duke moved on from showing the duchess’ portrait, which shows the disregard
he has for her, as if she is a collection - object in his collection. This fuels the Duke's pride
who can now “put the curtain” and reserve his wife for himself. domestic power here Has
shown to give excessive pride (hubris) to the Duke, where the Duke’s power remains, which
contrasts to ‘Ozymandias’ where excessive hubris is punished against by nature. This shows
how ‘Ozymandias’ reveals the steps natural power will take, as an effect of shifting power
equilibrium, and Browning explores how domestic power abuse leads to excessive pride and
corruption.