The Destruction of Sennacherib

Question 1

What is The Destruction of Sennacherib – Lord Byron about?

Answer 1

This poem retells a real biblical event (Book of Kings): when God sends an angel to destroy the Assyrian army overnight, saving Jerusalem.

Question 2

What is the form of The Destruction of Sennacherib – Lord Byron?

Answer 2

Regular rhythm - reminds the sound of galloping horses - emphasizing the war

Narrative poem / Ballad — tells a dramatic story

Question 3

What is the structure of The Destruction of Sennacherib – Lord Byron?

Answer 3

Strong AABB rhyme — creates a fast, march-like rhythm, almost musical

Question 4

How does the poet use anaphora in The Destruction of Sennacherib – Lord Byron?

Answer 4

“And the eyes..
And their hearts..

Makes the destruction feel inevitable and unstoppable — each line piles onto the last

Question 5

How does the poet use in Simile and vivid imagery in The Destruction of Sennacherib – Lord Byron?

Answer 5

“The Assyrian came down like the wolf on the fold”
— The army is compared to a predator, suggesting violence and danger.

Question 6

How does the poet use Personification and Religious imagery in The Destruction of Sennacherib – Lord Byron?

Answer 6

“The Angel of Death spread his wings on the blast”

“Spread his wings” suggests death moves quickly and widely, like a bird of prey or a storm.

death feel active and powerful, almost like a bird of prey swooping down swiftly and decisively

Question 7

Context for The Destruction of Sennacherib – Lord Byron?

Answer 7

(2 Kings 19)

The poem reflects Romantic ideas about the sublime power of higher forces, showing human pride and armies as powerless before God.