Poetry - the destruction of sennacherib Flashcards
(12 cards)
What are the linked poems and how are each connected?
Both “The Destruction of Sennacherib” and “The Prelude” explore the power of nature, although this is achieved in different ways. In “The Destruction of Sennacherib”, nature is a force of divine retribution. Whereas, in the extract from “The Prelude”, nature is an intimidating force which challenges the speaker’s sense of control.
Who’s the author?
Lord Byron.
What’s the overall idea?
It retells the Biblical story of the Assyrian invasion of Jerusalem and their defeat - due to the King’s overconfidence. Ultimately, the message is that through divine intervention, good will always conquer evil.
When was it written?
1815 - romantic era.
What’s the narrative perspective and why?
The poem is written in third person, creating the effect of an observer describing the distant and dramatic defeat of Sennacherib’s army.
What’s the rhyme scheme and why?
The uniformity of the army is amplified by the AABB rhyme scheme, which mirrors their synchronised march.
What is the form?
The poem is written in 6 uniform quatrains using a distinctive rhythm, which almost echos the sound of horses marching into battle.
What’s the context?
Biblical story explored Byron’s sympathy to the Jewish people. Reflects the Romantic’s era of fascination with nature and history.
‘like the wolf on the fold’
This simile begins the poem in media res, establishing the immediacy of the conflict. Byron compares the Assyrian army as a ‘wolf’, which has connotations of a predatory and aggressive nature, suggesting they are powerful yet unforgiving. (difference)
‘Angel of Death’
“The Angel of Death” symbolises divine retribution, highlighting the power of God. This oxymoron combines the imagery of a holy angel with the destructive force of death, suggesting that the army was killed almost peacefully, guided by a divine force, rather than obliterated. The capitalisation of “Angel and Death” could emphasise its crucial, deliberate role in the destruction of the Assyrian army, reinforcing the importance of divine intervention for good to conquer evil.
4th stanza
The whole of the 4th stanza is an asyndetic list which conveys the magnitude of the destruction of the army. It emphasises the brutality of their defeat because they do not part take in any celebrations associated when winning a battle. Gradual natural events that normally take significant time (e.g. bodies becoming ‘pale’) have taken place overnight, demonstrating the power of God’s intervention.
“melted like snow”
This simile represents the triumph of the people of Jerusalem, due to divine intervention. It is a satisfying ending as it alludes to the battle being won by the correct army.
