Comparing "Sonnet 55" to "Ozymandais"

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The poem “Ozymandais”, written by Percy Shelley, shares some similarities with Shakespeare’s “Sonnet 55” touching on the subject of art and eternity. Even though they are similar in ideas they are very different in terms of their points of view on the subject of the power art can have. For instance the positive and negative contrast emitted by the poems. In my opinion, Shakespeare’s “Sonnet 55” is more appealing and idealistic to humankind than Shelly’s “Ozymandais” because Shakespeare demonstrates art’s power to preserve genius, pose as an alternative to eternity and deliver an uplifting message.

Firstly, in Shakespeare’s “Sonnet 55”, the reason why humans create art is interpreted as a way to preserve and keep a part of them living, such as their intelligence, opinions and talent. With that in consideration, Shakespeare certainly portrays his work as living on with any other great pieces worthy of existing till Judgment Day, although he implies that his will outlive them all. On the other hand, Shelley thinks differently, laying down the harsh stings of reality and how human art...

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