'The Destruction Of Sennacherib' by Lord Byron

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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 by Lord Byron: A Literary Analysis

If there's one thing that Lord Byron's "The Destruction of Sennacherib" teaches us, it's that poetry can be a powerful tool for storytelling. By focusing on the story of the Assyrian king Sennacherib and his ill-fated campaign against Jerusalem, Byron creates a vivid portrayal of the destruction and chaos of war. Through his skilled use of language and imagery, Byron brings the reader into the heart of the action, making us feel as if we are witnessing the events firsthand.

The Poem's Structure and Form

At first glance, "The Destruction of Sennacherib" appears to be a simple ballad, with its four-line stanzas and alternating rhyme scheme. However, a closer examination reveals a more complex structure. The poem is divided into two parts, with the first eight stanzas focusing on the Assyrian army's march on Jerusalem, and the final six stanzas describing their defeat.

Within each stanza, Byron employs a variety of poetic devices, including repetition, alliteration, and imagery. For example, the repeated use of the phrase "And the sheen of their spears was like stars on the sea" creates a sense of awe and majesty, while the imagery of the "Angel of Death" hovering over the battlefield adds a haunting and ominous tone.

The Power of Imagery

One of the most striking aspects of "The Destruction of Sennacherib" is the vivid and evocative imagery that Byron employs. Throughout the poem, he uses a variety of sensory details to create a sense of place and atmosphere, from the "desert-worn" soldiers to the "cedars of Lebanon" that surround Jerusalem.

Perhaps the most memorable image in the poem, however, is the description of the "Assyrian came down like the wolf on the fold." This simile is particularly effective, as it not only conjures up a vivid mental picture, but also suggests the brutality and savagery of the Assyrian army.

The Role of Religion

Religious themes are also prominent in "The Destruction of Sennacherib," particularly in the final stanzas. As the Assyrians approach Jerusalem, the people of the city turn to prayer and supplication, calling on God to protect them from their enemies. In the end, it is this faith that saves them, as an angel of the Lord comes down and destroys the Assyrian army.

This religious element adds another layer of meaning to the poem, highlighting the power of faith and the idea that divine intervention can turn the tide of even the most hopeless of battles.

Conclusion

Overall, "The Destruction of Sennacherib" is a masterful work of poetry that combines vivid imagery, powerful storytelling, and a deep understanding of human nature. Through his depiction of the Assyrian campaign against Jerusalem, Byron reminds us of the horrors of war and the importance of faith in times of crisis.

As a literary work, "The Destruction of Sennacherib" stands as a testament to the enduring power of poetry to move and inspire readers. Whether viewed as a historical document or a work of art, this poem remains a timeless masterpiece that continues to captivate and enthrall audiences to this day.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

The Destruction of Sennacherib by Lord Byron is a classic poem that has stood the test of time. It is a powerful piece of literature that tells the story of the Assyrian king Sennacherib and his army's defeat at the hands of the Jewish king Hezekiah. This poem is a masterpiece of storytelling, and it is a testament to Lord Byron's skill as a poet.

The poem begins with a description of Sennacherib's army as they march towards Jerusalem. The imagery used by Lord Byron is vivid and powerful, and it sets the tone for the rest of the poem. The army is described as a "host" that is "vast and mighty," and they are said to be "like the leaves of the forest when summer is green." This imagery is meant to convey the sheer size and power of Sennacherib's army, and it is a testament to Lord Byron's ability to paint a picture with words.

As the army approaches Jerusalem, they are met by Hezekiah and his people. Hezekiah is described as a "warrior" who is "bold and strong," and he is said to be "like the lion that roars in the night." This imagery is meant to convey Hezekiah's strength and courage, and it is a stark contrast to the image of Sennacherib's army as a faceless, impersonal force.

The battle between Sennacherib's army and Hezekiah's people is fierce and brutal. The poem describes the "clang of arms" and the "shock of spears," and it is clear that both sides are fighting with all their might. However, despite their best efforts, Sennacherib's army is defeated. The poem describes how "the angel of death spread his wings on the blast," and how "the breath of the morning blew, / And the eyes of the sleepers waxed deadly and chill." This imagery is meant to convey the horror and devastation of the battle, and it is a testament to Lord Byron's ability to capture the emotions of his readers.

The poem ends with a powerful message about the futility of war. Lord Byron writes, "And the might of the Gentile, unsmote by the sword, / Hath melted like snow in the glance of the Lord!" This message is meant to convey the idea that even the most powerful armies are no match for the will of God. It is a powerful message that is still relevant today, and it is a testament to Lord Byron's ability to write poetry that speaks to the human experience.

Overall, The Destruction of Sennacherib is a masterpiece of poetry. It is a powerful and moving piece of literature that tells a timeless story of war and defeat. Lord Byron's use of vivid imagery and powerful language is truly remarkable, and it is a testament to his skill as a poet. This poem is a must-read for anyone who loves poetry, and it is a testament to the enduring power of literature.

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