The Destruction of Sennacheribby Lord Byron is a powerful... Show more
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
30
0
Emi
10/05/2023
English Literature
Destruction of Sennacherib
1,378
•
10 May 2023
•
The Destruction of Sennacherib: Poem Analysis, Themes, and Structure for Kids
Smart Tools NEW
Transform this note into: ✓ 50+ Practice Questions ✓ Interactive Flashcards ✓ Full Mock Exam ✓ Essay Outlines
Mock Exam
Quiz
Flashcards
Essay
The Destruction of Sennacherib: A Poetic Masterpiece
The Destruction of Sennacherib by Lord Byron is a compelling narrative poem that vividly recounts the biblical story of the Assyrian army's defeat. This line-by-line analysis reveals Byron's masterful use of poetic devices to create a dramatic and memorable retelling of the event.
Structure and Form
The poem's structure is crucial to its impact. It consists of six stanzas, each following an AABB rhyme scheme, forming rhyming couplets. This meter creates a rhythmic flow that mimics the beat of horses' hooves, enhancing the poem's auditory appeal.
Highlight: The rhyme scheme AABB forms rhyming couplets, potentially reflecting the beat of the horses' hooves.
A significant volta, or turning point, occurs midway through the poem, marking a shift from the Assyrian army's power to their defeat. This structural element heightens the dramatic tension and emphasizes the contrast between the army's initial strength and ultimate downfall.
Imagery and Metaphors
Byron employs rich imagery and extended metaphors throughout the poem. The Assyrian army is initially described with regal and powerful imagery, using colors associated with royalty.
Quote: "And his cohorts were gleaming in purple and gold;"
An extended metaphor comparing the army to the sea runs through the poem, emphasizing their destructive force and later their powerlessness against divine intervention.
Example: The army is referred to as a "blue wave," and later, the death of horses is described with "cold... spray" and "rock-beating surf."
Poetic Devices
Anaphora, the repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses, is used effectively to increase the poem's pace and intensity. The conjunction "and" is repeated at the start of many verses, propelling the narrative forward.
Highlight: The use of anaphora, particularly with the conjunction "and," increases the pace and alters the tone to make it more intense.
Themes
The poem explores several key themes:
- Death: The destruction of the Assyrian army is described in vivid, morbid detail.
- Religion: The power of God is central to the poem's narrative.
- War: The poem presents a stark contrast between military might and divine intervention.
Historical and Biblical Context
The poem retells a story from the Old Testament, where the Assyrian king Sennacherib attempts to siege Jerusalem. The king of Judah prays to God for help, resulting in an angel destroying the enemy soldiers in their sleep.
Definition: Sennacherib was an Assyrian king known for his military power, as depicted in biblical accounts.
Narrative Perspective
Byron uses a third-person objective narrative, which lends a sense of reliability to the account. The narrator presents the events as facts while maintaining a sympathetic attitude towards the people of Jerusalem.
Highlight: The third-person objective narrative creates a sense of reliability, presenting the events as facts.
Conclusion
"The Destruction of Sennacherib" is a masterful poem that combines historical narrative with powerful poetic techniques. Its vivid imagery, strategic use of poetic devices, and exploration of universal themes make it a compelling subject for literary analysis, particularly at the GCSE level. The poem's structure, form, and meaning work together to create a memorable and impactful retelling of a biblical story, showcasing Byron's skill as a poet and storyteller.
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The Destruction of Sennacherib: Poem Analysis, Themes, and Structure for Kids
The Destruction of Sennacherib by Lord Byron is a powerful narrative poem that recounts the biblical story of the Assyrian army's defeat. This line-by-line analysisreveals Byron's masterful use of poetic devices to create a vivid and dramatic retelling of... Show more
The Destruction of Sennacherib: A Poetic Masterpiece
The Destruction of Sennacherib by Lord Byron is a compelling narrative poem that vividly recounts the biblical story of the Assyrian army's defeat. This line-by-line analysis reveals Byron's masterful use of poetic devices to create a dramatic and memorable retelling of the event.
Structure and Form
The poem's structure is crucial to its impact. It consists of six stanzas, each following an AABB rhyme scheme, forming rhyming couplets. This meter creates a rhythmic flow that mimics the beat of horses' hooves, enhancing the poem's auditory appeal.
Highlight: The rhyme scheme AABB forms rhyming couplets, potentially reflecting the beat of the horses' hooves.
A significant volta, or turning point, occurs midway through the poem, marking a shift from the Assyrian army's power to their defeat. This structural element heightens the dramatic tension and emphasizes the contrast between the army's initial strength and ultimate downfall.
Imagery and Metaphors
Byron employs rich imagery and extended metaphors throughout the poem. The Assyrian army is initially described with regal and powerful imagery, using colors associated with royalty.
Quote: "And his cohorts were gleaming in purple and gold;"
An extended metaphor comparing the army to the sea runs through the poem, emphasizing their destructive force and later their powerlessness against divine intervention.
Example: The army is referred to as a "blue wave," and later, the death of horses is described with "cold... spray" and "rock-beating surf."
Poetic Devices
Anaphora, the repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses, is used effectively to increase the poem's pace and intensity. The conjunction "and" is repeated at the start of many verses, propelling the narrative forward.
Highlight: The use of anaphora, particularly with the conjunction "and," increases the pace and alters the tone to make it more intense.
Themes
The poem explores several key themes:
- Death: The destruction of the Assyrian army is described in vivid, morbid detail.
- Religion: The power of God is central to the poem's narrative.
- War: The poem presents a stark contrast between military might and divine intervention.
Historical and Biblical Context
The poem retells a story from the Old Testament, where the Assyrian king Sennacherib attempts to siege Jerusalem. The king of Judah prays to God for help, resulting in an angel destroying the enemy soldiers in their sleep.
Definition: Sennacherib was an Assyrian king known for his military power, as depicted in biblical accounts.
Narrative Perspective
Byron uses a third-person objective narrative, which lends a sense of reliability to the account. The narrator presents the events as facts while maintaining a sympathetic attitude towards the people of Jerusalem.
Highlight: The third-person objective narrative creates a sense of reliability, presenting the events as facts.
Conclusion
"The Destruction of Sennacherib" is a masterful poem that combines historical narrative with powerful poetic techniques. Its vivid imagery, strategic use of poetic devices, and exploration of universal themes make it a compelling subject for literary analysis, particularly at the GCSE level. The poem's structure, form, and meaning work together to create a memorable and impactful retelling of a biblical story, showcasing Byron's skill as a poet and storyteller.
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
Smart Tools NEW
Transform this note into: ✓ 50+ Practice Questions ✓ Interactive Flashcards ✓ Full Mock Exam ✓ Essay Outlines
Mock Exam
Quiz
Flashcards
Essay
Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user