Destruction of Sennecherib Flashcards
“rust on his mail”
The “rust on his mail” suggests how the armor of the soldiers has become weaker over time – it has corroded. The image of rust suggests that even such a strong, formidable force like the assyrians are ultimately subject to decay and decline. This suggests how even the most powerful and seemingly indestructible forces are eventually subject to the changes of time.
“Like the wolf on the fold”
(1)Simile of the wolf emphasizes not only the predatory nature of the Assyrian army but the vulnerability of the victims who are depicted as helpless sheep indicated by the noun “fold”.
(2)The noun “fold” implies a sense of protection. The idea that the wolf has gone past this protective layer subverts the safety expectation reinforcing the sense of destruction here.
(3)Furthermore, the alliteration of “f” in “wolf” and “fold” creates a sense of momentum that propels the poem forward. The alliteration also draws attention to the harsh sounds of the words, contributing to the overall sense of violence in the poem.
“gleaming in purple and gold”
(1)“gleaming” creates an image of brightness and radiance. It suggests a dazzling quality, creating a sense of magnificence associated with the Assyrian Army.
(2) DEV: it could be perceived ironically as they ultimately get defeated by the angel of death.
(3)DEV: the use of the regal colours “purple and gold” connote the power and dominance of the Assyrian army, emphasizing their superiority.
“And breathed in the face of the foe as he passed”.
“BREATHED” in the face of the foe conveys the effortlessness in the action, conveying the superiority of God’s power over the Assyrian army.
DEV: “breathed” in the face of the foe suggests that death is a natural and necessary part of life, underscoring the idea of death as an implacable force that cannot be overcome or avoided.
The similes of “leaves” - “Like the leaves of the forest when Summer”
(1) Emphasize the sheer number of soldiers in the Assyrian army. The fact that the number of leaves in a forest can be overwhelmingly high creates a sense of awe, contributing to the invincible destruction in the poem.
(2) DEV ST:In the second stanza, the volta between the similes describing the “leaves” in the “summer” and “Autumn” creates a sense of dramatic tension and anticipation for the reader. By shifting the focus of the poem to the appearance of the Angel of Death, the volta marks a turning point in the story and signals the imminent destruction of the Assyrian Army.
Rhyme comment
Regular rhyme of the poem not only creates a sinister tone but reflects the certainty and consistency of God’s power. Sense of inevitability to the poems conclusion.
