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Year 10 - English

Analysing the poem 'The Destruction of Sennacherib' by Lord Byron

'Conflict'

Unit Summary

In this unit, pupis explore 12 of the 15 poems from the 'Conflict' anthology. Pupils complete two lessons on each poem: one on understanding and one on analysis. Pupils study the poems in a thematically linked order so they can complete comparative and thematic lessons at key points in the unit.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to explain how Lord Byron uses language, form and structure to express his viewpoint.

Key Notes

  • 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.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • 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 Mistakes To Avoid

  • Byron portrays the Assyrians as evil predators because this was what he believed they were like.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

1. Explain this English learning goal in two key 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.

2. Define this language term and use it in a sentence. 'predator'

an animal that hunts and preys on other animals for food.

3. Correct this common English misunderstanding.

Mistake: Byron portrays the Assyrians as evil predators because this was what he believed they were like. Correction: 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.

More Lessons In This Unit

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