Analysing the poem 'The Destruction of Sennacherib' by Lord Byron
I can explain how Lord Byron uses language, form and structure to express his viewpoint.
Analysing the poem 'The Destruction of Sennacherib' by Lord Byron
I can explain how Lord Byron uses language, form and structure to express his viewpoint.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- The regular rhyming couplets could reflect the rigidity of the army, or could be used as a dramatic storytelling device.
- Byron’s use of sibilance arguably illustrates the power of the Assyrian army.
- The biblical image of the wolf attacking sheep connotes the battle between good and evil.
- Anapestic tetrameter could echo the sound of the forces advancing.
- Byron uses an extended metaphor, comparing the Assyrians to the sea, which could emphasise how the mighty army fell.
Keywords
Predator - an animal that hunts and preys on other animals for food
Stressed syllables - syllables in a word that are emphasised or pronounced with greater force
Anapestic tetrameter - a poetic rhythm consisting of four groups of three syllables (each with two unstressed syllables and then a stressed syllable)
Sibilance - repetition of the hissing sound 's' or 'sh' in nearby words
Couplets - a pair of successive lines of verse, typically rhyming and of the same length
Common misconception
Byron portrays the Assyrians as evil predators because this was what he believed they were like.
Arguably, we can't know Byron's feelings on this matter. It's more likely that he portrays the Assyrians in this way to emphasise the power of God when he is able to easily decimate such a formidable enemy.
To help you plan your year 10 english lesson on: Analysing the poem 'The Destruction of Sennacherib' by Lord Byron, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 10 english lesson on: Analysing the poem 'The Destruction of Sennacherib' by Lord Byron, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
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Explore more key stage 4 english lessons from the 'Conflict' unit, dive into the full secondary english curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Equipment
You need access to a copy of ‘The Destruction of Sennacherib’ by Lord Byron. This can be found in the Edexcel Poetry Anthology (we will be using the ‘Conflict’ cluster).
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
Lesson video
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