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Want to compare your language comparison skills in 'Ozymandias' and other poems in your 'Power and Conflict' cluster?
Well, you've come to the right place. In this activity, you'll practise comparing the way the poets use language to convey different and similar attitudes and ideas.
In your exam, you'll do really well to compare the way that poets use language to present their attitudes. You'll do even better if you can compare the way they use language to show different/similar attitudes and ideas. You'll do the best if you can compare the language that is used and how it is used.
Here's an example of some good language comparison:
In 'Ozymandias', Shelley uses the technique of sibilance, in order to create a sense of longevity and highlight the slow passing of time. The sibilance in "half sunk a shattered visage lies..." extends the reading time due to the slow pronunciation of the consonant 's'. It reinforces the oldness of Ozymandias' statue and links in with the theme of solitude- Ozymandias will remain alone for a long time. The poem 'London' also uses the technique of sibilance, when referring to the "hapless Soldiers sigh", however, the effect created is very different. In this context, a hissing sound is almost created, which reinforces Blake's hatred of corruption in society. Both poems use sibilance in a similar way; to convey a negative tone.
You should always refer to your own text when working through these examples. These quotations are for reference only.
