Vol.1 (05) - Analyzing Shelley’s “Ozymandias”

Analyzing Shelley’s “Ozymandias”

Ferrick Gray

Poetically Speaking

Volume 1, Issue 5

Introduction

Ozymandias is brilliant! Yet it is not without its critics. There has been much debate over different aspects of this short poem. Is it a sonnet? Is it written in iambic pentameter? How do you pronounce Ozymandias? How many syllables are in Ozymandias? All these and other questions litter the Shelley table.

My purpose in this essay or paper, whatever you wish to call it, is to analyze each verse of the poem for metrical variations. I am not concerned with the content or what the poem is about, only the structure of the verses.

Throughout, I will use the term metrical substitution or just substitution to refer to an iamb replaced by another metrical foot. In some ways, this is quite misleading to the reader because the poet does not consciously substitute anything whatsoever. Indeed, the poet is not concerned with what metrical feet will appear, and generally, they would have little if any interest in the business of scansion.

Vol.1 (04) - Dos and Don'ts when using Heroic Couplets

Dos and Don’ts when using Heroic Couplets

Ferrick Gray

Poetically Speaking

Volume 1, Issue 4

Heroic couplets have been a useful and successful vehicle in formal poetry. They have a uniqueness to them that is pleasing in both a visual and an auditory sense. The heroic couplet became popular through the influence of the likes of Dryden and Pope.

The Heroic Couplet defined:

1. Paired lines with the same rime.
2. Both lines are written in iambic pentameter.
3. Common themes of a lofty nature, such as heroes, gods, kings, queens, (religious) quests, and the like.

The last point is almost forgotten today, and is no longer a fixed need. From this point on, where proper, I will refer to the heroic couplet as couplet.

Vol.1 (03) - The Poet's Voice

The Poet’s Voice

Ferrick Gray

Poetically Speaking

Volume 1, Issue 3

How many times have I said this? Ha! Be yourself, and do not try to be someone else. I mention this in my essay Charging Poetry with Meaning, but I will elaborate further on what follows.

There are many people who would like to write poetry. Unfortunately, there are far too many who think they already do. Most of these do not have a good grasp of the basics of formal verse and prefer to make excuses for their ignorance.

When writing structured or metrical verse, there are several stages of development. The would-be or hopeful poet will find themselves at most stages. They may be aware of their position, or they may be oblivious until pointed out.

Vol.1 (02) - What is this Thing called Meter?

What is this Thing called Meter?

Meter—Something modern poets try to avoid.¹

Ferrick Gray

Poetically Speaking

Volume 1, Issue 2

Music for Composition

When we talk of meter in accentual-syllabic verse, it is not something that should be obvious. If it is obvious, then your work will be of little interest. After listening to over-emphasized syllables, it will become dull and boring.