Poem Analysis - The Destruction Of Sennacherib

A Swift and Terrible Fall

Lord Byron's "The Destruction of Sennacherib" is a powerful and dramatic poem that recounts the sudden and devastating defeat of the Assyrian army. The poem begins with a vivid depiction of Assyrian might and grandeur, but quickly shifts to portray their utter annihilation. The tone moves from awe and fear to a sense of divine justice and quiet desolation. The overall impression is one of the transience of power and the overwhelming force of the divine.

The Shadow of Historical Account

The poem is based on the biblical account in 2 Kings 19 of the Assyrian king Sennacherib's siege of Jerusalem. Sennacherib, a real historical figure, led a formidable army that threatened to conquer the city. According to the Bible, an angel of the Lord struck down the Assyrian army overnight, forcing Sennacherib to retreat. Byron's poem provides a dramatic retelling of this event, emphasizing the suddenness and completeness of the Assyrian defeat and the power of God.

Pride Before a Fall: Hubris and Mortality

One of the main themes is the hubris, or excessive pride, of the Assyrian army. The opening lines describe them in terms of great power and splendor: "gleaming in purple and gold," "sheen of their spears was like stars on the sea." This imagery establishes their perceived invincibility. However, this pride is contrasted with their sudden demise. This highlights the theme of mortality and the fleeting nature of earthly power, suggesting that even the mightiest empires are vulnerable to forces beyond their control. The poem subtly critiques the arrogance of military power, suggesting its ultimate futility in the face of divine will.

Divine Power vs. Human Frailty

The poem explores the theme of divine power. The "Angel of Death" acts as the instrument of God's will, effortlessly destroying the Assyrian army. The vivid imagery of the angel's breath "in the face of the foe" evokes a sense of overwhelming power and the helplessness of the Assyrians. The stark contrast between the vibrant descriptions of the army in the first two stanzas and the desolate scenes that follow underscores the magnitude of the divine intervention. The poem contrasts the brief arrogance of the Assyrians with the enduring and absolute power of God.

Images of Decaying Glory

Recurring images of death and decay serve as powerful symbols throughout the poem. The simile "Like the leaves of the forest when Autumn hath blown, / That host on the morrow lay withered and strown" is particularly striking. It vividly illustrates the sudden and complete destruction of the Assyrian army, comparing them to leaves scattered by the wind. The description of the dead horse, "with his nostril all wide," and the fallen rider, "distorted and pale," further emphasize the devastation. The "rust on his mail" is especially poignant, suggesting the rapid decomposition and the swift passage of time and earthly glory.

A Lasting Testament

"The Destruction of Sennacherib" is a dramatic and memorable poem that uses vivid imagery and powerful language to depict the fall of a great army. The poem explores themes of hubris, mortality, and divine power, offering a timeless reflection on the transience of earthly glory and the consequences of challenging a higher power. The swift and complete destruction serves as a cautionary tale, reminding us that even the mightiest empires are ultimately subject to forces beyond their control.