London, Ozymandius and My Last Duchess

London

“Runs in blood down palace walls” – this highlights the soldiers dying for the monarchy who has sent them to war and also shows Blake’s dismay and anger at this situation which he feels in unjust ( particularly after the French Revolution).  Also the verb tense choice of present simple shows this situation is ongoing further highlighting Blake’s conflict with the status quo.

Social conflict – church and monarchy vs. ordinary people (“every man…infant”)

Power inequality

England

There is no hope in society: “marriage hearse”

Repetition

Contrast

Word choice

 

My Last Duchess

 

One large stanza which could show the power imbalance where the power rests with the duke because of his gender and societal status and title.

There is a power imbalance between the Duke and Duchess (seen in their differing genders, ages and he being of ancient money unlike the Duchess’ family.)

He is obsessed and controlling. She was good and pure “white mule”.

“Neptune …taming a sea horse”.  Neptune – Duke Sea horse – duchess

“taming” word choice shows his delusion. Taming is overpowering something and gaining complete control.

The poem is a dramatic monologue however the Duke is an unreliable narrator.