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Storm On The Island And Ozymandias Comparison Essay

507 Words3 Pages

In both 'Storm on the Island' by Seamus Heaney and 'Ozymandias' by Percy Bysshe Shelley, the power of nature is a central theme. Despite the contrasting contexts and settings of the two poems, both poets explore the immense force of nature and its ability to challenge human power and dominance. This essay will analyze and compare how these poets present the power of nature in their respective works, considering the use of language, imagery, and structure to convey their ideas. The poem 'Storm on the Island' by Heaney portrays the might of nature as a formidable and perilous force. The setting of the poem is on a remote island where the inhabitants are bracing themselves for an impending storm. Heaney employs evocative imagery and robust language to highlight the storm's power and its impact on the locals. He depicts the waves as "exploding" and the rain as "strafing," creating a feeling of mayhem and uncertainty. The use of sensory details transports the reader into the storm's experience, evoking a sense of dread and vulnerability. Additionally, the recurrence of the phrase "we are prepared" throughout the poem emphasizes the islanders' perseverance against nature's supremacy, underscoring their resilience. …show more content…

The poem highlights the fleeting nature of human accomplishments when compared to the timeless power of nature. Shelly's use of striking visual imagery, such as "vast and trunkless legs of stone" and "shattered visage," effectively portrays the ruined statue in the desert. This depiction emphasizes the short-lived nature of human dominance and the inevitable triumph of nature. The sonnet structure of the poem, with its measured and controlled tone, serves as a counterpoint to the shattered statue, highlighting the sharp contrast between human aspirations and the vastness of nature's

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