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:

1. Death: The destruction of the Assyrian army is described in vivid, morbid detail.
2. Religion: The power of God is central to the poem's narrative.
3. 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.