So You Think You Know Power? Comparing "Ozymandias" and "London" with Less Than Zero Chill
Ever wondered what a crumbling statue in the desert and a grumpy poet's view of London have in common? Buckle up, buttercup, because we're diving into the surprisingly deep well of similarities between Percy Bysshe Shelley's "Ozymandias" and William Blake's "London."
 |
| What Are The Similarities Between Ozymandias And London |
The Big Enchilada: The Fleeting Nature of Power
Both poems are like those participation trophies everyone got in middle school - a reminder that winning isn't everything. In "Ozymandias," we meet a super arrogant pharaoh named Ozymandias (not exactly a subtle name, eh?) who built a giant statue to brag about his awesomeness. "Look on my works, ye Mighty, and despair!" the inscription boasts. Problem is, the statue's all busted up now, lost in the desert, with nature slowly reclaiming its territory. Oops.
Over in "London," Blake paints a picture of a city choked by poverty and misery. The powerful here seem more interested in lining their pockets than helping the downtrodden. "In every cry of every Man,
The voice of God is heard." Blake argues that ignoring the cries of the people is a recipe for disaster (spoiler alert: it usually is).
Tip: Make mental notes as you go.
So what's the takeaway? Power is temporary, folks. Nature and the needs of the people have a way of biting even the mightiest rulers in the you-know-what.
Don't Mess with Mother Nature: The Power of the Environment
"Ozymandias" and "London" both take nature pretty darn seriously. In the first poem, the desert slowly swallows Ozymandias' statue whole, a constant reminder that even the most impressive human achievements can't compete with Mother Nature's long game.
Tip: Reflect on what you just read.
"London" is a bit more subtle. The poem's choked atmosphere and the River Thames " chartered Thames" (basically, controlled by greedy humans) show how humanity's attempts to dominate nature often backfire.
Lesson learned? Keep nature happy, people. It's the only planet we've got.
Tip: Share one insight from this post with a friend.
 |
FAQs: Unveiling the Mysteries of Poetry Analysis (Kind Of)
How to sound smart when discussing "Ozymandias" and "London"?
- Drop knowledge bombs: Use phrases like "the fleeting nature of power" and "the power of the environment."
- Name-drop other poets: Casually mention John Keats or Lord Byron to show you're a real literature buff (even if you've never read a word of their work).
How to avoid accidentally looking like you haven't read the poems?
Reminder: Focus on key sentences in each paragraph.
- Don't confuse Ozymandias with a brand of deodorant.
- In "London," Blake isn't singing about a theme park - it's a real city, with real problems.
How to write a killer essay about these poems?
- Read them first. Seriously.
- Focus on the similarities we discussed, but don't forget the differences too!
- Use quotes! But make sure they're actually from the poems.
How to impress your teacher with your analysis?
- Be insightful, not insulting.
- Show your understanding of the poems' deeper themes.
- Bonus points for making a funny connection to pop culture (but avoid going overboard).
So there you have it! A crash course in comparing "Ozymandias" and "London." Now go forth and amaze your friends (or at least pretend to) with your newfound knowledge of fleeting power and the wrath of Mother Nature.
 |
