Compare the ways poets present ideas about the ‘power of humans’ in “Ozymandias’’ and in one other poem from Power and Conflict?

Introduction? Topic Sentence

In this essay I will be exploring how the theme of the ‘power of humans’ is presented by Percy Bysshe Shelley and Robert Browning in 'My Last Duchess' which were written in 1818 and 1842 respectively.

Thesis Statement (Inference)

Firstly, Both poets present the ‘power of humans’ through the dominant male personalities explored within their poems. Shelley looks at the tyranny of Ozymandias or Rameses II previously the Pharaoh of Egypt  while Browning looks at the haughty nature of the Duke.

Embedded Evidence / Quote

The idea that Ozymandias is presented as tyrannical is shown in the quote: “... sneer of cold command”. This is is similar to Browning who through the quote "’twas not/ Her husband’s presence only, called that spot/ Of joy into the Duchess’ cheek" shows that the persona is presented as being callous and possibly a murderer.

Show Sentences/ Technique Statement

Shelley uses Nouns and Verbs as well as the repetition of the harsh c sound alliteratively to emphasise his views. This is the same for Browning who also uses  Verbs and the repetition of the S sound alliteratively in the form of Sibilance.

Language Analysis 1 (Literal)

Shelley’s use of the Verb: “command” illustrates that Ozymandias is a despot which is similar to Browning who uses a version of the same Verb when he allows the Duke to say he gave “commands and all smiles stopped altogether” and this implies that he was the one who murdered the late Duchess.