the destruction of sennacherib

• Who is the author of 'The Destruction of Sennacherib'?

  Lord Byron
• In what year was 'The Destruction of Sennacherib' published?

  1815
• What is the central theme of 'The Destruction of Sennacherib'?

  • The defeat of the Assyrian king Sennacherib by religious forces in Jerusalem
  • The idea that Jews/Christians are blessed by God
• What imagery is used to describe the Assyrian invaders in the poem?

  They are described as "gleaming in purple and gold."
• What does the phrase "the sheen of their spears was like stars on the sea" suggest?

  It suggests a dazzling and overwhelming presence of the Assyrian forces.
• What does the "Angel of Death" symbolize in the poem?

  It symbolizes the inevitability of death and destruction in war.
• What is the significance of the line "the tents were all silent, the banners alone"?

  It signifies the aftermath of battle and the silence of the defeated.
• What do the "widows of Ashur" represent in the poem?

  They represent the sorrow and loss experienced by the Assyrian people after their defeat.
• How does Byron's use of natural imagery contribute to the poem's themes?

  It emphasizes the contrast between the grandeur of the invaders and the devastation of war.
• What poetic structure is used in 'The Destruction of Sennacherib'?

  Strict quatrains with an AABB rhyme scheme.
• What effect does the anapestic meter have in the poem?

  It mimics the sound of horses' hooves, creating a sense of urgency.
• What are the key features of Byron's writing style in 'The Destruction of Sennacherib'?

  • Use of natural imagery
  • Anapestic meter
  • Strict quatrains with AABB rhyme scheme
  • Sensuous imagery emphasizing wealth and glamour