Comparing Ozymandias And My Last Duchess

A Study in Power: Comparing Shelley's "Ozymandias" and Browning's "My Last Duchess"

Both Percy Bysshe Shelley's "Ozymandias" and Robert Browning's "My Last Duchess" are powerful explorations of power, its corrupting influence, and its ultimate ephemerality. While separated by time and stylistic approach, these poems offer compelling comparative insights into the nature of tyranny, artistic expression, and the enduring legacy—or lack thereof—of those who wield authority. This analysis will delve into the thematic similarities and differences between these iconic works, examining the portrayal of power, the role of art, and the ultimate consequences of unchecked ambition.

I. The Nature of Power: A Tyrant's Legacy vs. an Aristocrat's Control

"Ozymandias" presents a stark image of a fallen tyrant. The shattered statue, with its inscription "My name is Ozymandias, king of kings: Look on my works, ye Mighty, and despair!" ironically highlights the futility of Ozymandias' ambition. The poem's power lies in the contrast between the king's self-proclaimed greatness and the desolate, decaying reality of his legacy. The vast, empty desert surrounding the ruined statue underscores the ephemeral nature of earthly power. Ozymandias' attempt to impose his will on the world through grandiose monuments has ultimately failed, leaving only fragmented remnants and a sense of poignant emptiness. The poem implicitly suggests that true power lies not in conquest and oppression, but in something more enduring – perhaps artistic creation or leaving a positive impact on the world.

"My Last Duchess," on the other hand, presents a more nuanced perspective on power. The Duke, a wealthy and influential aristocrat, wields a different kind of power—the power of social standing and patriarchal dominance. His power is not expressed through grand gestures of conquest but through subtle control and manipulation. The poem reveals his possessive and controlling nature through his monologue, where he recounts his relationship with his deceased wife, subtly revealing his jealousy and ultimate responsibility for her death. Unlike Ozymandias' overtly tyrannical rule, the Duke's power is more insidious, masked by refined manners and aristocratic privilege. He controls his narrative, shaping the perception of his late Duchess and justifying his actions. His power is not about outward display but about maintaining order and control within his private sphere.

The crucial difference lies in the visibility of their power. Ozymandias' power was a public spectacle, intended to inspire awe and fear. His ultimate failure is the public exposure of that power's ultimate insignificance. The Duke’s power is more private, exercised within the confines of his palace and his social circles. His power is not undone, but rather continues, unquestioned and chillingly effective.

II. Art as a Reflection of Power: Monument vs. Possession

In "Ozymandias," the statue itself serves as a monument to the king's power. It is a physical manifestation of his ambition and desire for immortality. However, the irony lies in the fact that the statue's decay mirrors the decay of Ozymandias' empire. The fragmented features, the crumbling stone, all speak to the ultimate futility of his efforts to leave a lasting legacy through physical monuments. The poem subtly suggests that true artistic creation transcends the limitations of material objects. The poem itself, far outlasting Ozymandias' statue, becomes a more potent form of memorialization.

"My Last Duchess" uses art differently. The Duke’s possession of the painting of his late wife serves as a potent symbol of his control. He uses the artwork to both possess and control her image, even in death. The painting is not a monument to her but a tool through which he exerts his authority, literally controlling her gaze and effectively silencing her. He points out specific details in the painting, highlighting aspects of her personality that displeased him, ultimately portraying her as an object to be owned and possessed rather than an individual with her own agency. This manipulation extends beyond the painting itself; he treats the entire narrative of his relationship with her as a curated piece of art, controlling its interpretation and justifying his actions.

III. The Role of the Narrator: An Impartial Observer vs. A Controlling Voice

"Ozymandias" employs a detached, almost journalistic narrator. The speaker is an observer who recounts the discovery of the ruined statue, conveying the scene's desolation and the irony of Ozymandias' boastful inscription. This impartial observation allows the reader to form their own judgment of the tyrant and his legacy. The narrative is objective, presenting the facts without judgment, allowing the reader to draw their own conclusions about the futility of Ozymandias' ambitions.

In "My Last Duchess," the narrator is the Duke himself, delivering a chilling monologue to an envoy arranging his marriage to a new Duchess. This first-person perspective allows Browning to reveal the Duke's character subtly. The reader is privy to the Duke’s self-justifying pronouncements and his chilling control, underscoring the manipulative nature of his power. Through his words, we see the unsettling depths of his pride, possessiveness, and ultimately, his culpability. The poem's power lies in its ability to create empathy for the Duchess even without hearing her direct voice, leaving the reader with a disturbing understanding of the Duke's twisted sense of justice and entitlement.

The contrasting narrative voices highlight the different approaches to power: Ozymandias’ power is judged externally, while the Duke’s power is revealed through his own, inherently unreliable, self-portrayal.

IV. The Legacy of Power: Ruin and Silence vs. Continued Domination

The legacy of Ozymandias is one of ruin and desolation. His grand empire has crumbled, leaving only a broken statue and a silent desert. His boastful inscription serves only to highlight the irony of his failure. His power, once absolute, is now reduced to a lesson in mortality and the inevitable decay of earthly ambitions. The poem’s lasting power stems from the universal resonance of this theme: the transient nature of all earthly power and the futility of attempting to achieve immortality through material means.

The Duke’s legacy is more complex and disturbing. His control, though exercised in a more private manner, remains impactful. His monologue leaves the reader with an unsettling sense of his continued dominance, even in death. While his previous marriage ended tragically, his power continues. The envoy’s arrival signifies the continuation of his lineage and the perpetuation of his power through his next marriage. This chilling implication suggests that even without the grandiose displays of Ozymandias, the insidious power of manipulation and control can have a lasting, and deeply troubling, legacy.

The comparison between the two poems reveals that, while both deal with the theme of power, the nature of that power and its ultimate consequences differ significantly. Ozymandias represents a tangible, physically evident kind of power that eventually crumbles. The Duke's power, while less immediately visible, is more insidious and enduring, highlighting the varied and complex ways in which power manifests and its lasting, sometimes horrifying implications.

V. Conclusion: A Timeless Exploration of Human Nature

Both "Ozymandias" and "My Last Duchess" serve as timeless explorations of human nature and the complexities of power. Shelley's poem offers a stark warning against the vanity of unchecked ambition and the inevitable decay of all earthly empires. Browning's poem provides a more nuanced and disturbing examination of the insidious nature of patriarchal power and the subtle ways in which it can be exercised and perpetuated.

These poems, while differing in their styles and approaches, ultimately offer complementary insights into the enduring themes of power, legacy, and the human condition. They resonate with readers centuries later because they tap into universal truths about ambition, control, and the lasting impact – both positive and negative – that individuals leave upon the world. They are enduring masterclasses in poetic craft, using concise language and powerful imagery to convey profound and unsettling truths about the human experience. By comparing and contrasting these two masterpieces, we gain a richer understanding of the multifaceted nature of power and its complex impact on individuals and societies.