'The Destruction Of Sennacherib' by Lord Byron
AI and Tech Aggregator
Download Mp3s Free
Tears of the Kingdom Roleplay
Best Free University Courses Online
TOTK Roleplay
The Assyrian came down like the wolf on the fold,
And his cohorts were gleaming in purple and gold;
And the sheen of their spears was like stars on the sea,
When the blue wave rolls nightly on deep Galilee.
Like the leaves of the forest when summer is green,
That host with their banners at sunset were seen:
Like the leaves of the forest when autumn hath blown,
That host on the morrow lay withered and strown.
For the Angel of Death spread his wings on the blast,
And breathed in the face of the foe as he passed:
And the eyes of the sleepers waxed deadly and chill,
And their hearts but once heaved, and for ever grew still!
And there lay the steed with his nostrils all wide,
But through it there rolled not the breath of his pride:
And the foam of his gasping lay white on the turf,
And cold as the spray of the rock-beating surf.
And there lay the rider distorted and pale,
With the dew on his brow and the rust on his mail;
And the tents were all silent, the banners alone,
The lances unlifted, the trumpet unblown.
And the widows of Ashur are loud in their wail,
And the idols are broke in the temple of Baal;
And the might of the Gentile, unsmote by the sword,
Hath melted like snow in the glance of the Lord!
Editor 1 Interpretation
The Destruction Of Sennacherib: A Poem of Epic Proportions
Lord Byron's "The Destruction of Sennacherib" is a poem of epic proportions that tells the story of the defeat of the Assyrian army by the Angel of Death. Written in 1815, the poem is based on a biblical account from the book of Isaiah, and it is considered one of Byron's most famous and well-regarded works.
The Plot
The poem tells the story of King Sennacherib, who leads his army to Jerusalem in an attempt to conquer it. However, during the night, the Angel of Death descends upon the Assyrian camp and kills all of the soldiers, leaving only King Sennacherib alive to return home and contemplate his defeat.
The poem is divided into three stanzas, each of which tells a different part of the story. The first stanza describes the might of the Assyrian army and their approach to Jerusalem, while the second stanza details the events of the night when the Angel of Death arrives. The final stanza concludes the poem with the aftermath of the battle and the realization of King Sennacherib's defeat.
The Language
The language of "The Destruction of Sennacherib" is powerful and evocative. Byron uses vivid imagery and strong metaphors to convey the violent and epic nature of the story. For example, in the first stanza, he describes the Assyrian army as a "host with banners" and a "forest felled by thunderbolts." These images create a sense of awe and fear, emphasizing the might and power of the army.
In contrast, the second stanza shifts to a more supernatural and eerie tone as the Angel of Death arrives. Byron's use of simile in the lines "And the sheen of their spears was like stars on the sea, / When the blue wave rolls nightly on deep Galilee" creates a haunting and ethereal image, emphasizing the otherworldly nature of the Angel of Death.
The language of the poem is also characterized by its use of repetition, which creates a sense of rhythm and momentum. The phrase "And the might of the Gentile, unsmote by the sword, / Hath melted like snow in the glance of the Lord!" is repeated three times throughout the poem, emphasizing the power of the Lord and the inevitability of the Assyrian defeat.
The Themes
The themes of "The Destruction of Sennacherib" are both religious and political in nature. The poem emphasizes the power and might of God, who is able to defeat even the strongest armies. This theme is reinforced by the repeated phrase "And the might of the Gentile, unsmote by the sword, / Hath melted like snow in the glance of the Lord!" which emphasizes the powerlessness of human strength in the face of divine power.
At the same time, the poem also has political undertones, as it can be read as a commentary on the British Empire's military conquests. Byron himself was a supporter of Greek independence from the Ottoman Empire, and the poem can be seen as a reflection of his own political views. The defeat of the Assyrian army by the Angel of Death can be read as a metaphor for the defeat of the Ottoman Empire by the British Empire, with God's power standing in for British military might.
The Analysis
Overall, "The Destruction of Sennacherib" is a powerful and evocative poem that tells a story of epic proportions. Byron's use of language and imagery create a vivid and memorable impression of the Assyrian army's defeat, emphasizing both the power of divine might and the political undertones of the poem.
One of the most striking aspects of the poem is its use of repetition. The repeated phrase "And the might of the Gentile, unsmote by the sword, / Hath melted like snow in the glance of the Lord!" emphasizes the inevitability of the Assyrian defeat and reinforces the power of God. At the same time, the repetition also creates a sense of rhythm and momentum, driving the poem forward and creating a sense of urgency and excitement.
Another notable aspect of the poem is its use of metaphor and simile. Byron's use of vivid and striking images, such as the "forest felled by thunderbolts" and the "stars on the sea," creates a sense of awe and wonder, emphasizing the epic nature of the story. These images also help to convey the supernatural and eerie nature of the Angel of Death, creating a haunting and unsettling atmosphere.
Finally, the poem's themes of religious power and political commentary give it a depth and complexity that elevates it beyond a simple retelling of a biblical story. The poem can be read as a commentary on British imperialism, with God's power standing in for British military might. At the same time, the poem emphasizes the power and might of divine power, suggesting that even the strongest armies are no match for God's will.
The Conclusion
In conclusion, "The Destruction of Sennacherib" is a classic poem of epic proportions that tells a story of defeat and divine power. Byron's use of language, repetition, and metaphor creates a powerful and evocative image of the Assyrian army's defeat, emphasizing both the religious and political undertones of the poem. As a work of literary genius, it is a testament to Byron's skill as a poet and his ability to tell a story that is both engaging and thought-provoking.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
The Destruction of Sennacherib: A Masterpiece of Poetry
Lord Byron’s “The Destruction of Sennacherib” is a classic poem that has stood the test of time. It is a masterpiece of poetry that tells the story of the Assyrian king Sennacherib’s failed attempt to conquer Jerusalem. The poem is a vivid portrayal of the power of nature and the futility of human ambition. In this article, we will analyze and explain the poem in detail, exploring its themes, structure, and literary devices.
The poem begins with a description of the Assyrian army camped outside the walls of Jerusalem. The first stanza sets the scene and establishes the mood of the poem. The language is rich and evocative, with vivid imagery that transports the reader to the ancient world. The use of the word “Assyrian” immediately conjures up images of a powerful and ruthless empire, while the phrase “the angel of death spread his wings on the blast” creates a sense of foreboding and impending doom.
The second stanza introduces Sennacherib himself, describing him as “the monarch of all that he surveyed.” This line is significant because it highlights the king’s arrogance and overconfidence. He believes that he is invincible and that nothing can stand in his way. However, the poem quickly reveals that his hubris is misplaced.
The third stanza describes the attack on Jerusalem, with the Assyrian army laying siege to the city. The language is once again rich and evocative, with phrases like “the war-horse neighed” and “the trumpet’s clang” creating a sense of chaos and violence. However, despite the ferocity of the attack, the city remains defiant.
The fourth stanza is the turning point of the poem. It describes how, in the middle of the night, the “angel of death” descends upon the Assyrian camp and destroys the army. The language here is particularly striking, with phrases like “the Assyrian came down like the wolf on the fold” and “his cohorts were gleaming in purple and gold” creating a vivid picture of the destruction. The use of the word “cohort” is significant because it emphasizes the size and power of the army, making its defeat all the more impressive.
The fifth and final stanza brings the poem to a close. It describes how Sennacherib and his army are defeated and forced to flee. The language is once again rich and evocative, with phrases like “the sword of the angel of death was upon them” and “the foam of his gasping lay white on the turf” creating a sense of finality and closure. The poem ends with the image of the Assyrian army lying dead on the ground, a powerful symbol of the futility of human ambition.
One of the key themes of the poem is the power of nature. The “angel of death” is portrayed as a force of nature, descending upon the Assyrian army like a storm. This theme is reinforced by the use of natural imagery throughout the poem, such as the “wolf on the fold” and the “foam of his gasping.” The poem suggests that no matter how powerful human beings may be, they are ultimately at the mercy of the natural world.
Another important theme of the poem is the futility of human ambition. Sennacherib is portrayed as a proud and arrogant king who believes that he can conquer anything. However, the poem shows that his ambition is ultimately futile. No matter how powerful he may be, he cannot overcome the forces of nature. This theme is particularly relevant in today’s world, where many people are driven by a desire for power and success, often at the expense of others.
The structure of the poem is also significant. It is written in quatrains, with each stanza consisting of four lines. This structure creates a sense of order and symmetry, which is in contrast to the chaos and violence of the events described in the poem. The use of rhyme and meter also adds to the poem’s musicality, making it a pleasure to read aloud.
Finally, the poem makes use of a number of literary devices, such as metaphor, simile, and personification. For example, the “angel of death” is a metaphor for the destructive power of nature, while the “wolf on the fold” is a simile that creates a vivid image of the Assyrian attack. Personification is also used to great effect, with the “angel of death” and the “sword of the angel of death” both given human qualities.
In conclusion, Lord Byron’s “The Destruction of Sennacherib” is a masterpiece of poetry that has stood the test of time. It is a vivid portrayal of the power of nature and the futility of human ambition. The poem’s rich language, vivid imagery, and musical structure make it a pleasure to read, while its themes are as relevant today as they were when the poem was first written.
Editor Recommended Sites
Sheet Music Videos: Youtube videos featuring playing sheet music, piano visualizationFlutter Assets:
Secrets Management: Secrets management for the cloud. Terraform and kubernetes cloud key secrets management best practice
Learn Javascript: Learn to program in the javascript programming language, typescript, learn react
Cloud Blueprints - Terraform Templates & Multi Cloud CDK AIC: Learn the best multi cloud terraform and IAC techniques
Recommended Similar Analysis
The Fiddler of the Reels by Thomas Hardy analysisLa Belle Dame Sans Merci by John Keats analysis
A Night-Piece by William Wordsworth analysis
Quid Hic Agis? by Thomas Hardy analysis
Grey Monk, The by William Blake analysis
The White Birds by William Butler Yeats analysis
The Lady of Shalott by Alfred, Lord Tennyson analysis
First Party At Ken Kesey's With Hell's Angels by Allen Ginsberg analysis
Her-"last Poems" by Emily Dickinson analysis
It struck me every day by Emily Dickinson analysis