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The Destruction of Sennacherib - Lord Byron (Structure ("fold"…
The Destruction of Sennacherib - Lord Byron
Context
This poem formed a part of the romantic movement, which put an emphasis on emotion and nature.
It is based on a Bible story from the Old Testament (chapters 18 and 19 in the second Book of Kings), which is about an attempt by the Assyrian army to seize Jeruslem, the holy city of the Israelites.
Structure
"And"
The use of anaphora creates a sense of momentum and inevitability and drives the poem forward.
"fold" and "gold"
The poem is written in mostly monosyllabic rhyming couples, which gives a strong beat and gives the poem a sense of inevitability.
The rhyming couplets drive the poem forward swiftly and steadily, which imitates the quick and relentless destruction that washes over the Assyrian army.
The regular beat mimics the sound horses hooves, which places the reader in the middle of an army on horseback.
"The Assyrian came down like the wolf on the fold"
The poem begins 'in media res' which draws the reader into th narrative.
Language
"Like the leaves of the forest when Autumn hath blown"
Natural imagery suggests that the Assyrians have no control over whether they win or are defeated, instead it is controlled by God, like the seasons.
"like the wolf on the fold"
Sennacherib is likened to a predator and the Israelites to sheep: a symbol of innocence
"gleaming in purple and gold"
The language used to describe the Assyrian army focuses on superficial aspects of them and doesn't comment on their actual skill and strength.
Conversely, God is described only by his actions and not by his appearance, suggesting that he is far more powerful.
Themes
"widows of Ashur are loud in their wail"
This conveys the theme of the effect of conflict: the massive loss of life has inevitably ended in pain for those left behind.
This humanises the soldiers and reminds the reader that although there were countless soldiers, they each had a family and people who are now grieving them.
"the idols are broke"
The the power of religion is very strong theme, because it shows that God can't be defeated and that any sin will be punished.
Idol worship is a very bad sin in the Old Testament and the wrath of God always destroys them.