The Destruction of Sennacherib

Lord Byron's The Destruction of Sennacherib

Introduction

Lord Byron's "The Destruction of Sennacherib" stands as a poignant exemplar of Romantic poetry, blending historical narrative with vivid imagery and profound theological implications. This analysis delves into the multifaceted layers of Byron's work, examining its structure, literary devices, historical context, and thematic resonance. Through a close reading of the poem, we will uncover how Byron masterfully weaves together elements of Biblical allusion, naturalistic metaphor, and rhythmic prowess to create a piece that transcends its immediate subject matter, speaking to broader themes of human hubris, divine intervention, and the transience of earthly power.

Historical Context and Poetic Form

Byron draws upon the Biblical account found in 2 Kings 19, which narrates the Assyrian king Sennacherib's siege of Jerusalem and the subsequent divine intervention that decimated his army. The poet's choice to revisit this ancient tale reflects the Romantic period's fascination with exotic and historical subjects, particularly those imbued with spiritual significance.

The poem's form is noteworthy for its adherence to the anapestic tetrameter, a meter that lends itself to a galloping rhythm reminiscent of charging cavalry. This rhythmic choice is not merely ornamental but serves to underscore the poem's thematic content, mirroring the swift and decisive nature of the described events. The rhyme scheme, following an AABB pattern, further contributes to the poem's musicality and memorability, qualities that align with the oral tradition from which the original story stems.

Imagery and Metaphor

Byron's mastery of imagery is on full display in "The Destruction of Sennacherib." The opening stanza sets the tone with its striking simile: "The Assyrian came down like the wolf on the fold." This comparison immediately evokes a sense of predatory aggression and impending doom. The juxtaposition of "purple and gold" with the wolfish imagery creates a complex picture of both regal splendor and bestial threat.

The poet's use of naturalistic metaphors is particularly effective. The comparison of the Assyrian host to "leaves of the forest when Summer is green" and their subsequent demise to autumn leaves that "lay withered and strown" serves multiple purposes. It not only provides a vivid visual contrast but also subtly introduces themes of seasonal change and natural cycles, foreshadowing the army's fate and suggesting the ephemeral nature of mortal power.

The imagery grows increasingly somber as the poem progresses. Byron's description of the aftermath is replete with details that engage multiple senses: the visual stillness of the "nostril all wide," the tactile "cold as the spray of the rock-beating surf," and the auditory silence of "the trumpet unblown." This sensory tapestry creates a palpable atmosphere of death and desolation, forcing the reader to confront the grim reality of warfare and divine retribution.

Biblical Allusion and Theological Implications

While the poem's narrative is grounded in historical events, Byron infuses it with strong Biblical overtones. The "Angel of Death" serves as the instrument of divine judgment, a figure that recalls the Passover story from Exodus. This allusion adds layers of meaning, suggesting a continuity of divine intervention in human affairs and drawing parallels between the protection of the Israelites and the salvation of Jerusalem.

The final stanza's reference to "the might of the Gentile" and its melting "like snow in the glance of the Lord" reinforces the poem's theological underpinnings. Byron presents a worldview where divine power ultimately trumps human military might, regardless of its apparent invincibility. This theme resonates with the broader Romantic notion of the sublime, where human endeavors are dwarfed by the awesome power of the divine or natural world.

Rhythm and Sound

The poem's anapestic meter deserves closer examination for its contribution to the overall effect. The rhythm's relentless forward momentum mirrors the initial advance of the Assyrian army, only to be abruptly halted by the intervention of the Angel of Death. This metrical choice creates a sense of inexorability that makes the sudden downfall all the more shocking.

Byron's use of alliteration and assonance further enhances the poem's auditory appeal. Phrases like "And the sheen of their spears was like stars on the sea" demonstrate a masterful combination of sibilant sounds that evoke the glittering of weaponry. The repetition of harsh consonants in lines such as "And their hearts but once heaved, and for ever grew still" creates a staccato effect that emphasizes the finality of death.

Themes of Power and Hubris

At its core, "The Destruction of Sennacherib" is a meditation on the limits of human power and the consequences of hubris. The Assyrian army, described in terms of overwhelming might and splendor, serves as a symbol of earthly authority at its zenith. Their swift and total annihilation underscores the fragility of such power when set against divine will.

Byron's treatment of this theme reflects a broader Romantic preoccupation with the individual's place in the universe. The poem suggests that no matter how great one's earthly achievements or military prowess, there are forces beyond human control that can render them meaningless in an instant. This message would have resonated with Byron's contemporaries, living in an era of rapid social and political change.

Narrative Structure and Dramatic Tension

The poem's narrative arc is notable for its dramatic compression. In the span of a few stanzas, Byron takes the reader from the height of Assyrian power to its complete destruction. This condensed storytelling creates a sense of whiplash that mirrors the sudden reversal of fortune described in the Biblical account.

The turning point of the poem, marked by the line "For the Angel of Death spread his wings on the blast," serves as a fulcrum upon which the entire narrative pivots. Everything before this moment is characterized by life, movement, and power; everything after is stillness, silence, and death. This stark contrast heightens the poem's emotional impact and underscores its thematic concerns.

Conclusion

Lord Byron's "The Destruction of Sennacherib" stands as a testament to the poet's ability to synthesize historical narrative, theological reflection, and poetic craftsmanship into a cohesive and powerful whole. Through its masterful use of imagery, meter, and allusion, the poem transcends its specific subject matter to speak to universal themes of power, mortality, and the human condition.

The work's enduring appeal lies not just in its technical virtuosity, but in its capacity to evoke profound questions about the nature of existence and the role of the divine in human affairs. As readers, we are left to grapple with the implications of a world where the mightiest armies can be laid low in a single night, where the trappings of earthly power prove ultimately meaningless in the face of larger forces.

In the context of Byron's oeuvre and the broader Romantic movement, "The Destruction of Sennacherib" exemplifies the period's fascination with the intersection of the historical and the sublime. It serves as a bridge between ancient narrative and modern poetic sensibility, inviting readers across generations to reflect on the timeless themes it presents. As such, it remains a vital and resonant piece of literature, worthy of continued study and appreciation in the canon of English poetry.