the destruction of sennacherib

• quotes

  • the assyrian came down like the wolf on the fold- simile, shows violence and aggression
  • the sheen of their spears was like stars on the sea- imagery, deadly beauty
  • for the angel of death spread his wings on the blast- personification, divine intervention
• form and structure

  • rhyme scheme- aabb, steady then sudden destruction
  • trochaic meter- marching rhythm, builds tension
  • repetition- creates a sense of inevitability
• context

  • based on the biblical story of sennacherib's defeat (2 kings)
  • reflects romantic themes of nature, heaven, and divine justice
  • lord byron
• feelings and attitudes

  • pride- assyrian army's dominance
  • fear- sudden, mysterious destruction
  • justice- divine retribution against power
• compare to the charge of the light brigade