Here is an analysis of how poets portray oppression, with reference to two poems: Poem 1: "Ozymandias" by Percy Bysshe Shelley • Shelley portrays oppression through the arrogance and ultimate futility of absolute power, symbolized by the ruined statue of Ozymandias whose boastful inscription now mocks his fallen empire, serving as a warning against authoritarianism in society. • The poem emphasizes the transience of tyrannical rule as time and nature reduce the oppressor's grand monuments to dust, reminding us that oppressive systems will eventually crumble. • The desolate desert setting highlights the isolation and insignificance of a legacy built on fear, urging societies to value leadership based on lasting positive impact rather than dominance. Poem 2: "Africa" by David Diop • Diop vividly portrays the brutality and exploitation of colonial oppression through imagery of suffering like "blood has flowed in your rivers," resonating with ongoing struggles against economic exploitation and human rights abuses globally. • The poem contrasts Africa's proud past with its subjugated present, highlighting the loss of cultural identity and dignity under oppressors, yet celebrating the enduring spirit of resistance, relevant to efforts to reclaim cultural heritage and fight systemic racism. • "Africa" serves as a powerful call for resilience and self-determination, inspiring those facing modern neo-colonialism and injustice to fight for liberation and true independence.