TJNOTES
TJNOTES
COMPARISON BETWEEN OZYMANDIAS AND TISSUE
TJNOTES
Compare how poets present ideas about power in ‘Ozymandias’ and in one other poem
from ‘Power and Conflict’.
Both ‘Ozymandias’ and ‘Tissue’ present nature as the fundamental and overlooked symbol
of power within our world, whilst depicting the efforts of mankind to control or overpower
it as futile. ‘Ozymandias’ centres around one of the most celebrated and powerful pharaohs
of the Egyptian Empire (Ramesses II), who reigned for sixty-six years, from 1303 BC - 1213
lives.
TJNOTES
BC. ‘Tissue’ concentrates on the power of “paper” and the impact it can have on human
Significantly, both poems convey the message that power has the ability to change and
influence people and their actions. In the opening octave of ‘Ozymandias’, what is
immediately apparent is the plethora of negative language detailing Rameses II’s “frown”,
TJNOTES
“wrinkled lip” and “sneer”. This is immediately followed by the harsh alliterative “c” sound
of his “cold command”, reflecting his harsh demeanour and ultimate power to control an
empire. Many Egyptians would have feared Ramesses II, who, like his ancestors, would
have aspired to achieve a sense of immortality through statues erected and dedicated to
them. Ironically, the power of nature has reduced Ramesses’ statue to a “shattered visage”
and a “colossal wreck”.
TJNOTES
Conversely, ‘Tissue’ emphasises that good can prosper from power. Dharker uses ‘tissue’ as
an extended metaphor for human life and describes how power from humans can translate
to “living tissue” and things of high significance and stature like the “Koran”. This extremely
influential and important religious text is made out of “tissue” paper, documenting the
power and word of God, which is guidance for mankind.
TJNOTES
Moreover, the persona in Dharker’s poem refers to “documents” to illustrate the
importance that mankind assigns to “paper”. The use of relatable imagery, such as the
“grocery slip”, or receipt, demonstrates the feeling that power is everywhere, because it
relates closely to money – arguably the very thing that runs the entire world and perhaps
holds more influence and authority than any person can or ever will. Yet, this false sense of
security created by paper is easily removed, because nature (“wind”) does not abide by
TJNOTES
human-imposed guidelines (“borderlines”); making all efforts to control nature “paper
thin”. The lexical field of fragility, such as “paper buildings”, contrasts with the almost
hyperbolic idolisation of nature and “sun” light. Metaphorically, describing people as
“paper” connotes how easily ripped and disposable mankind is – clearly presenting nature
as the overwhelming force of power within our world.
TJNOTES
This idea is mirrored in ‘Ozymandias’ because nature ultimately deteriorates the oppressor’s
statue. Significantly, the title ‘Ozymandias’ stems from the Greek words “ozyium” and
“mandate”, which mean ‘to breathe’ and ‘to rule’. However, poignantly, the pharaoh’s
statue and symbol of power has been suffocated by the desert to “lone and level
TJNOTES
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