Ozymandias vs Checking Out Me History: AQA Power and Conflict Poetry Comparison (Grade 9 Guide)
Introduction
Ozymandias by Percy Bysshe Shelley and Checking Out Me History by John Agard both explore power, control, and identity, but from very different perspectives. Shelley presents a ruler whose power has collapsed over time, while Agard challenges the way those in authority control knowledge and identity. Together, the poems reveal that power—whether political or cultural—is ultimately fragile and can be resisted.
This Grade 9 comparison guide will help you compare both poems confidently in exams.
Quick Comparison Summary
| Theme | Ozymandias | Checking Out Me History |
|---|---|---|
| Power | Political authority | Cultural and educational control |
| Identity | Erased over time | Reclaimed through history |
| Control | Ruler dominates subjects | Authorities control knowledge |
| Time | Power fades | Identity endures |
| Tone | Ironic, critical | Angry, defiant |
Similarity 1: Both poems criticise power
In Ozymandias, the ruler’s arrogance is shown in “Look on my Works, ye Mighty, and despair!”, suggesting he believes his power is permanent.
In Checking Out Me History, Agard criticises authority through repetition: “Dem tell me”, showing control over knowledge.
Grade 9 Comparison Point:
Both poets show how power can be used to control others.
Similarity 2: Both poems show power as flawed or limited
Shelley reveals that Ozymandias’s power has failed: “Nothing beside remains”.
Agard shows that imposed knowledge is incomplete: “Dem tell me wha dem want to tell me”.
Grade 9 Comparison Point:
Both poets suggest that power is not absolute and can be challenged.
Similarity 3: Both poems explore identity
In Ozymandias, identity is reduced to a broken statue in the desert.
In Checking Out Me History, identity is actively rebuilt: “I carving out me identity”.
Grade 9 Comparison Point:
Both poems show how identity is shaped by power, but also how it can change.
Difference 1: Outcome of power
Ozymandias
Power collapses and is forgotten.
Checking Out Me History
Power is resisted and challenged.
Grade 9 Comparison Point:
Shelley shows the failure of power over time, while Agard shows active resistance.
Difference 2: Perspective
Ozymandias
Distant, framed narrative.
Checking Out Me History
Direct, personal voice.
Grade 9 Comparison Point:
Shelley distances the reader from power, while Agard creates a personal challenge to it.
Difference 3: Structure
Ozymandias
- Sonnet form
- Framed narrative
- Controlled structure
Checking Out Me History
- Irregular stanzas
- Repetition
- Mixed rhythm and dialect
Grade 9 Comparison Point:
Shelley uses structure to contain power, while Agard uses structure to break free from control.
Key Quotes Comparison Table
| Ozymandias | Checking Out Me History |
| “Look on my Works” | “Dem tell me” |
| “sneer of cold command” | “Dem tell me wha dem want to tell me” |
| “Nothing beside remains” | “Bandage up me eye with me own history” |
| “lone and level sands” | “I carving out me identity” |
Context Comparison
Ozymandias
- Shelley criticised political tyranny.
- Reflects Romantic ideas about power and nature.
Checking Out Me History
- Agard challenges colonial education systems.
- Focus on reclaiming Black identity.
Grade 9 Comparison Point:
Both poets challenge authority within their historical contexts.
How to Write a Grade 9 Comparison Paragraph
Both Shelley and Agard criticise power and control. In Ozymandias, the ruler’s command “Look on my Works” reflects arrogance, but this is undermined by the fact that “Nothing beside remains”. Similarly, in Checking Out Me History, Agard criticises authority through “Dem tell me”, showing how knowledge is controlled. However, Shelley shows power fading over time, while Agard shows it being actively resisted.
Exam Question 1
Compare how poets present power in Ozymandias and Checking Out Me History.
Grade 9 Model Response
Both poets present power as something that can control others, but also as something flawed. In Ozymandias, the ruler believes his power is permanent, but time destroys his legacy. In Checking Out Me History, authority controls knowledge, but the speaker challenges this control.
Therefore, both poems show that power is not absolute and can be questioned.
Exam Question 2
Compare how poets present identity in Ozymandias and Checking Out Me History.
Grade 9 Model Response
Identity is presented differently in the two poems. In Ozymandias, identity fades as power collapses. In contrast, in Checking Out Me History, identity is actively rebuilt through knowledge and memory.
Therefore, Shelley shows identity as fragile, while Agard shows it as resilient.
Exam Question 3
Compare how poets use structure to present ideas about power.
Grade 9 Model Response
Shelley uses a structured sonnet to present the rise and fall of power, while Agard uses irregular structure to challenge authority. Both structures reflect their messages about power.
Further Revision Links
To strengthen your comparison skills, read the full anthology hub and detailed poem guides:
- AQA Power and Conflict Poetry Anthology (All 15 Poems): https://englishmadesimple.org/aqa-power-and-conflict-poetry-anthology-revision-guide/
- Ozymandias by Percy Bysshe Shelley – How to Get a Grade 9: https://englishmadesimple.org/ozymandias-by-percy-bysshe-shelley-how-to-get-a-grade-9-aqa-gcse-english-literature98627-2/
- Checking Out Me History by John Agard – GCSE Poetry Guide: https://englishmadesimple.org/checking-out-me-historyby-john-agard-gcse-poetry/
You might also like…
- London vs Checking Out Me History: https://englishmadesimple.org/london-vs-checking-out-me-history/
- Ozymandias vs My Last Duchess: https://englishmadesimple.org/ozymandias-vs-my-last-duchess/
- London vs Ozymandias: https://englishmadesimple.org/london-vs-ozymandias/
Explore these comparisons to deepen your understanding of power and identity.
Final Grade 9 Tip
When comparing these poems, remember: Shelley shows power fading over time, while Agard shows identity resisting control.
