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My Last Duchess is a poem written by Robert Browning from the point of view of Alfonso, the Duke of Ferrara during the 16th century. His speech is very formal, using a very strict rhyme scheme and rhythm to establish couplets. This shows that the Duke appreciates control, and applies effort to control his statements. The sentence structure of the poem contradicts its rhyme scheme; the lines are paired as rhythmic couplets or rhymed couplets, but the couplets are ‘open’ or somewhat random. That is, the sentences stretch across several lines rather than finishing at the same time that the lines finish. Robert Browning uses symbolism, imagery, allusion, and allegory many times in the poem. Symbolism and imagery are present when the Duke refers to Frà Pandolf several times, but doesnt give much information about the actual artwork created by Frà. He rather boasts the distinguished and well-known name. The duchess smiles and blushes are an example of imagery and symbolism, when the Duke describes her blush as a ‘spot of joy’ (line 21). This spot is a signal of the pleasure of the Duchess, something that is out of her control. The Duke thinks of the spot as a symbol of her tainted character, a somewhat stain on her personality. The reference of Neptune is an example of allusion and allegory. The Duke highlights that this statue was made specifically for him, and also again like with Frà Pandolf, emphasises the sculptor, which probably means that the sculptor is distinguished. Robert Browning uses all of these literary techniques to convey the message of Power, and how the Duke possesses it, as well as how the Duke flaunts his power to get what he wants, relating back to the theme statement; Domination will ultimately lead to downfall.
Viva la Vida is a song written and performed by the band Coldplay. It retells the story of the French Revolution during the 1790s. The song is basically just putting the narrator / singer in the point of view of Louis XVI, and the theme is his shift from ultimate power to death. Coldplay use a range of poetic devices to further enhance the message, such as hyperbole, repetition, rhyme, alliteration and metaphor. ‘Seas would rise when I gave the word’ (line 2) Is a hyperbole, as it overstates the seas rising upon his will and on his command. It denotes to everyone that serves the king, and how they would do exactly as he wants upon his will. ‘I hear Jerusalem bells are ringing Roman Cavalry choirs are singing Be my mirror, my sword, and shield My missionaries in a foreign field’ (line 13-16). This phrase is repeated several times, because, it is not only the chorus, but it also adds emphasis to that stanza. ‘I hear Jerusalem bells are ringing Roman Cavalry choirs are singing’ (line 13-14). This is an example of a Feminine Rhyme scheme, where each rhyming word has two syllables. One syllable is stressed, and the other is unstressed. In music, rhyme helps the melody to flow easier throughout the song, making it memorable and catchy. It was a wicked and wild wind’ is an example of alliteration, as these three words have consonants that are repeated. It emphasises the words that describe the nature of the wind. ‘For my head on a silver plate just a puppet on a lonely string’ (line 24-26). This is an example of metaphor, because it relates the king to a puppet held up by a single string. Because the king’s men have left him, he has been abandoned, and there is no-one else there to defend him. Coldplay have used these poetic devices in addition to retelling a well known historical story to convey the message of Power, and how the king in this situation has been corrupted and now is being punished for that; linking back to the theme statement of Absolute power corrupts absolutely.
In the poem Circes Power , the writer, Louise Gluck advances Circes character through the contradiction she shows between her decision to turn Odysseus men into pigs, and her relationship and association with Odysseus. Louise Gluck shows her reasoning for turning those men into pigs through the point of view of Circe, and reinforces that she has a lot more tricks and is more deceitful than first believed. Louise Gluck uses poetic techniques such as imagery, symbolism and enjambment to support the overall theme. The sea is mentioned only once (line 18), but it is continually on our mind. It is hard to distinguish anything similar between The Odyssey and the sea, because much of Odysseus’ journey takes place in the ocean. We also feel a little apologetic for Circe, who know lives alone in the middle of the ocean. The symbolism of the sea makes us lonely and anxious. Imagery is also present, as it forces us to picture Odysseus sailing away towards the sea. Circe claims that she only uses her magic to reveal the truth. Circe’s power comes from her ability to exercise magical powers, but sometimes her magic fails her, and she then relies on using words instead. For example; in line 23, ‘Hold’ is used as a pun. Conversely, In this situation, ‘hold’ refers both to keep someone a prisoner, and to hold someone in your arms. Enjambment is feaured regularly throughout the entirety of the poem, and sometimes, it is hard to read, due to moving quickly backwards and forth. We can’t help but to think that Circe is being deceiving again, and playing a trick, or is flaunting her power to the reader. Often, she forces us to hurry back and forth from the end of a line to the start of the next. Louise Gluck uses these techniques to reinforce the theme of power throughout the poem, linking back to the theme statement; Love has the ability to strip those of power.
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