O What Is That Sound And Epitaph On A Tyrant Poem Analysis

Political control is represented in texts through the diverse perspectives of the composers. Governments control society through violence and manipulation regardless of their specific contexts. W.H. Auden’s poems ‘O What Is That Sound’ demonstrates impacts of control through violence while ‘Epitaph on a Tyrant’ displays manipulative control. The 2012 film ‘The Reluctant Fundamentalist’ portrays a 21st century perspective of the impacts of this control on individuals. Both poems were written during a time of growing fascism followed by Hitler’s rise to power whereas the film was influenced by the growing threat of terrorism. Contextual influences regarding the political situation and consequent actions generates these differing perspectives. …show more content…
Changez feels oppressed by the government and the way people treat him because of society’s reaction to the attacks, similar to manipulation of ordinary people demonstrated in ‘Epitaph on a Tyrant’. Erica’s art show conveys the typical American perspective of superficial racial stereotypes; displaying text “I had a Pakistani once” and “throw on a burqa”. The art show should be a representation of personal expression but is now contaminated with political inferences. The use of media props with the “Most Wanted” newspaper also highlights the American perspective of perceived enemy and subtle manipulation towards this perspective and view. This represents 21st century propaganda similar to propaganda used in the context of ‘Epitaph on a Tyrant,’ however media is the most common platform. The dialogue towards this perceived enemy is harsh “f*** you, Osama” demonstrating society’s hatred towards Pakistanis influenced by the power of the government. Violence and manipulation are linked in the establishment of control, directly influenced by the reaction of society to