Introduction: “The Destruction of Sennacherib” by Lord Byron
“The Destruction of Sennacherib” by Lord Byron first appeared in 1815 in his collection Hebrew Melodies. The poem recounts the biblical story of the Assyrian king Sennacherib’s failed siege of Jerusalem, highlighting the power of God over human armies. The poem is celebrated for its vivid imagery, rhythmic cadence (anapest), and dramatic narrative. It evokes a sense of both awe and terror, capturing the swiftness and finality of divine retribution. The contrasting images of the Assyrian army’s initial splendor and its subsequent devastation further emphasize the poem’s theme of the fleeting nature of earthly power in the face of the divine.
Text: “The Destruction of Sennacherib” by Lord Byron
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 nostril 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!
Annotations: “The Destruction of Sennacherib” by Lord Byron
| Line | Annotation |
| The Assyrian came down like the wolf on the fold, | The Assyrian army is compared to a wolf attacking a sheepfold, implying suddenness and ferocity. |
| And his cohorts were gleaming in purple and gold; | The Assyrian soldiers are described in their splendid, colorful armor, symbolizing wealth and power. |
| And the sheen of their spears was like stars on the sea, | The reflection of their spears is compared to stars, suggesting a multitude and brilliance. |
| When the blue wave rolls nightly on deep Galilee. | This simile links the scene to the familiar image of the Sea of Galilee under starlight, enhancing its poetic feel. |
| Like the leaves of the forest when Summer is green, | The Assyrian army is compared to lush, vibrant leaves, suggesting vitality and large numbers. |
| That host with their banners at sunset were seen: | The army is visible in the evening light, banners implying a sense of grandeur and organized military force. |
| Like the leaves of the forest when Autumn hath blown, | The army is now compared to leaves that have been scattered by autumn winds, indicating disarray and decline. |
| That host on the morrow lay withered and strown. | The aftermath of the battle shows the army defeated and scattered, just like dead leaves. |
| For the Angel of Death spread his wings on the blast, | The Angel of Death is personified as causing destruction, with “blast” implying sudden devastation. |
| And breathed in the face of the foe as he passed; | The death is almost tangible, with the Angel of Death breathing on the Assyrians, causing their demise. |
| And the eyes of the sleepers waxed deadly and chill, | The dead are referred to as “sleepers,” emphasizing the permanence of death with a chilling effect. |
| And their hearts but once heaved, and for ever grew still! | The finality of death is captured as their hearts stop beating. |
| And there lay the steed with his nostril all wide, | A vivid image of a dead horse, nostrils flared as if in mid-breath, enhancing the tragedy. |
| But through it there rolled not the breath of his pride; | The horse’s pride and life are extinguished, emphasizing the completeness of the defeat. |
| And the foam of his gasping lay white on the turf, | The horse’s foam, a sign of its dying gasps, starkly contrasts with the green turf. |
| And cold as the spray of the rock-beating surf. | The cold foam is compared to ocean spray, implying the harshness and suddenness of death. |
| And there lay the rider distorted and pale, | The dead rider is described, focusing on the physical distortions caused by death. |
| With the dew on his brow, and the rust on his mail: | The dew and rust signify the passage of time and neglect, the aftermath of a battlefield. |
| And the tents were all silent, the banners alone, | The silence of the tents and the lonely banners paint a picture of desolation after the battle. |
| The lances unlifted, the trumpet unblown. | The unmoved lances and silent trumpets signify the end of the battle and the defeat. |
| And the widows of Ashur are loud in their wail, | The consequences of the battle are highlighted by the mourning of the widows. |
| And the idols are broke in the temple of Baal; | The destruction includes religious idols, indicating a total overthrow of the Assyrian power. |
| And the might of the Gentile, unsmote by the sword, | The Assyrian power, not defeated by human hands, suggests a divine intervention. |
| Hath melted like snow in the glance of the Lord! | The complete and sudden destruction is compared to snow melting quickly, a metaphor for divine power. |
Literary And Poetic Devices: “The Destruction of Sennacherib” by Lord Byron
| Literary/Poetic Device | Definition | Example | Explanation |
| Alliteration | Repetition of initial consonant sounds. | “like the leaves of the forest” | Creates a musical effect and emphasizes the words. |
| Anaphora | Repetition of words or phrases at the beginning of successive clauses. | “And the eyes… And their hearts… And there lay…” | Creates rhythm and emphasizes the repetitive nature of the destruction. |
| Antithesis | Juxtaposition of contrasting ideas. | “Like the leaves of the forest when Summer is green, / That host with their banners at sunset were seen:” | Highlights the contrast between life and death, emphasizing the Assyrian army’s swift demise. |
| Assonance | Repetition of vowel sounds within words. | “dew on his brow“ | Adds to the poem’s musicality and creates a sense of unity. |
| Biblical Allusion | Reference to the Bible. | “The Angel of Death spread his wings on the blast” | Provides context for the poem and reinforces its theme of divine retribution. |
| Consonance | Repetition of consonant sounds within or at the end of words. | “the foe as he passed” | Creates a sense of harmony and emphasizes the words. |
| Hyperbole | Exaggeration for emphasis. | “And the widows of Ashur are loud in their wail” | Emphasizes the extent of the Assyrian’s defeat and the grief it caused. |
| Imagery | Use of vivid language to create sensory experiences. | “the sheen of their spears was like stars on the sea” | Creates a powerful visual picture of the Assyrian army’s initial glory. |
| Irony | Expression of meaning by using language that normally signifies the opposite. | “the might of the Gentile, unsmote by the sword, / Hath melted like snow in the glance of the Lord!” | The mighty Assyrian army is defeated not by human force, but by God’s power. |
| Metaphor | A comparison between two unlike things without using “like” or “as.” | “The Assyrian came down like the wolf on the fold” | Compares the Assyrian army to a wolf attacking sheep, highlighting their predatory nature. |
| Metonymy | Substitution of the name of an attribute or adjunct for that of the thing meant. | “the lances unlifted, the trumpet unblown.” | Uses “lances” and “trumpet” to represent the soldiers and their inaction in death. |
| Onomatopoeia | Words that imitate sounds. | “heaved” | Creates a vivid auditory image of the dying soldiers’ last breath. |
| Oxymoron | Juxtaposition of contradictory terms. | “deadly and chill” | Creates a stark and unsettling image of the soldiers’ lifelessness. |
| Personification | Giving human qualities to inanimate objects or abstract ideas. | “the Angel of Death spread his wings on the blast” | Makes the abstract concept of death more tangible and terrifying. |
| Repetition | Repeating words or phrases for emphasis. | “And there lay…” | Emphasizes the extent of the destruction and the stillness that follows. |
| Rhyme | Repetition of sounds at the end of words. | “fold” and “gold” | Creates a musical effect and adds to the poem’s structure. |
| Simile | A comparison between two unlike things using “like” or “as.” | “like the leaves of the forest when Summer is green” | Compares the Assyrian army to leaves in summer, highlighting their initial vitality. |
| Symbolism | Use of objects or ideas to represent something else. | “the blue wave rolls nightly on deep Galilee” | Symbolizes the power of nature and God, which will ultimately overwhelm the Assyrians. |
| Tone | The author’s attitude towards the subject. | Solemn, awe-inspiring | Conveys the poem’s theme of the powerlessness of humans in the face of divine retribution. |
Themes: “The Destruction of Sennacherib” by Lord Byron
- Divine Retribution: The poem’s central theme is the inevitable and swift punishment for those who defy God. The Assyrian army, despite its initial grandeur and power (“like the wolf on the fold,” “gleaming in purple and gold”), is swiftly annihilated by divine intervention (“the Angel of Death spread his wings on the blast”). This theme is reinforced by the biblical allusion to Sennacherib’s failed siege of Jerusalem, highlighting the powerlessness of human might against God’s will.
- Transitory Nature of Power: Byron contrasts the Assyrian army’s initial glory with its ultimate demise to emphasize the fleeting nature of earthly power. The army, initially described as “like the leaves of the forest when Summer is green,” is soon reduced to “withered and strown” corpses. This stark contrast underscores the poem’s message that worldly power, no matter how impressive, is transient and ultimately insignificant compared to divine authority.
- Death and Destruction: The poem vividly portrays the gruesome reality of war and the finality of death. The descriptions of the fallen soldiers and horses (“the dew on his brow, and the rust on his mail,” “the foam of his gasping lay white on the turf”) are graphic and unsettling, highlighting the tragic consequences of human conflict. This theme serves as a stark reminder of the horrors of war and the fragility of life.
- Religious Faith and Triumph: Amid the devastation, the poem also celebrates the triumph of religious faith. The destruction of the Assyrian army is seen as a victory for the Israelites and their God. The poem concludes with the lines, “the might of the Gentile, unsmote by the sword, / Hath melted like snow in the glance of the Lord!” This reinforces the poem’s theme of divine retribution and highlights the power of faith in overcoming adversity.
Literary Theories and “The Destruction of Sennacherib” by Lord Byron
| Literary Theory | Application to the Poem | Commentary/Critique |
| Formalism/New Criticism | Focuses on the poem’s structure, imagery, and language without considering external factors. | The structured rhyme and meter of the poem highlight its musical quality, emphasizing the swift and dramatic action of the narrative. The vivid imagery (“gleaming in purple and gold”) intensifies the poem’s aesthetic experience. The formalistic approach appreciates Byron’s craft in constructing a coherent and strikingly visual poem. |
| Historical/Biographical Criticism | Examines the poem in the context of the historical and biographical background of Lord Byron and the period. | Byron’s interest in romanticizing historical events and his sympathy for cultures oppressed by imperial forces, such as the Assyrians, provide depth to the poem. The portrayal of a sudden downfall (“Hath melted like snow in the glance of the Lord!”) might reflect Byron’s views on the futility and transient nature of earthly power. |
| Postcolonial Criticism | Analyzes the poem through the lens of imperialism and colonial narratives. | “The Destruction of Sennacherib” can be interpreted as a critique of imperial conquests, symbolizing the eventual downfall of all empires, as divine or moral justice prevails (“And the might of the Gentile, unsmote by the sword, Hath melted like snow in the glance of the Lord”). This theory explores the dynamics of power and the representation of the Assyrians in a sympathetic light, challenging typical imperial narratives. |
Critical Questions about “The Destruction of Sennacherib” by Lord Byron
- How does Byron utilize natural imagery to juxtapose the Assyrians’ initial strength and their eventual demise?
- Byron initially portrays the Assyrian army using vibrant natural imagery, comparing them to a “wolf on the fold” and their spears to “stars on the sea.” This imagery emphasizes their might and aggression. However, this is contrasted with their later description as “leaves of the forest when Autumn hath blown,” signifying their vulnerability and swift downfall. This juxtaposition of nature-inspired imagery emphasizes the Assyrians’ temporary power and their ultimate frailty in the face of divine retribution.
- What is the significance of the poem’s anapestic meter and how does it contribute to the overall effect?
- The anapestic meter (unstressed/unstressed/stressed) creates a galloping rhythm, mimicking the sound of a charging army. This rhythmic pattern initially reinforces the Assyrians’ imposing presence. However, as the poem progresses and describes their destruction, the same rhythm evokes a sense of inevitability and the swiftness of their demise. The consistent meter throughout the poem thus serves to unify the narrative and heighten the dramatic impact of the Assyrians’ downfall.
- How does Byron’s depiction of the “Angel of Death” contribute to the poem’s theme of divine retribution?
- The “Angel of Death” is a powerful symbol of God’s wrath and judgment. This figure, with its “deadly and chill” breath, represents an unstoppable force that swiftly decimates the Assyrian army. The angel’s actions are described in stark, almost clinical terms, emphasizing the impersonal and absolute nature of divine retribution. This depiction serves to reinforce the poem’s central theme of the inevitable consequences of defying God.
- In what ways does the poem reflect Byron’s own Romantic sensibilities and his views on power and religion?
- The poem’s emphasis on the sublime power of nature and the awe-inspiring nature of divine retribution reflects Byron’s Romantic sensibilities. The Romantic movement often explored themes of nature’s power, human insignificance, and the emotional impact of overwhelming experiences. Additionally, Byron’s portrayal of the Assyrian king’s hubris and subsequent downfall aligns with his critique of authoritarianism and his belief in the importance of individual liberty. The poem thus serves as a testament to both Byron’s literary style and his broader philosophical views.
Literary Works Similar to “The Destruction of Sennacherib” by Lord Byron
- “Charge of the Light Brigade” by Alfred Lord Tennyson: This poem shares a similar theme of valiant but doomed military exploits, emphasizing the nobility and tragedy of warfare.
- “Ozymandias” by Percy Bysshe Shelley: Shelley’s sonnet about the inevitable decline of rulers and empires parallels Byron’s portrayal of the transient nature of Assyrian power.
- “The Second Coming” by William Butler Yeats: Yeats explores themes of chaos and transformative historical events, akin to Byron’s depiction of divine intervention and the downfall of an empire.
- “Dulce et Decorum Est” by Wilfred Owen: Owen’s critique of war and its brutal reality mirrors Byron’s graphic depiction of the aftermath of battle and the suffering it causes.
- “The Battle of Blenheim” by Robert Southey: Southey’s poem critiques the glorification of war through a historical battle, similar to Byron’s reflection on the moral and physical devastations of war.
Suggested Readings: “The Destruction of Sennacherib” by Lord Byron
- Bloom, Harold, ed. Bloom’s Modern Critical Views: Lord Byron. Updated ed., Chelsea House Publishers, 2009.
- Byron, and Robert Yelverton Tyrrell. “The Destruction of Sennacherib.” The Classical Review, vol. 17, no. 1, 1903, pp. 82–82. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/696341. Accessed 28 July 2024.
- Porter, Barbara Nevling. “Politics and Public Relations Campaigns in Ancient Assyria: King Esarhaddon and Babylonia.” Proceedings of the American Philosophical Society, vol. 140, no. 2, 1996, pp. 164–74. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/987322. Accessed 28 July 2024.
- “The Destruction of Sennacherib.” Poetry Foundation
Representative Quotations of “The Destruction of Sennacherib” by Lord Byron
| Quotation | Context | Theoretical Perspective |
| “The Assyrian came down like the wolf on the fold” | The poem opens with a simile comparing the Assyrian attack to a wolf preying on sheep. | Formalism |
| “And the sheen of their spears was like stars on the sea” | Describing the Assyrian army’s appearance as both majestic and ominous. | New Criticism |
| “For the Angel of Death spread his wings on the blast” | Introduces a supernatural element as the divine force behind the Assyrian army’s downfall. | Myth Criticism |
| “And the widows of Ashur are loud in their wail” | Highlights the human cost of war, focusing on those left to mourn the dead. | Feminist Criticism |
| “Hath melted like snow in the glance of the Lord!” | Concludes with a powerful image of divine intervention leading to the sudden defeat. | Postcolonial Criticism |