Charge of the light brigade Flashcards
What is the context of the poem?
The Crimean war saw British troops fighting in Russia.
the light brigade were very lightly equipped, more for scouting or attacking from the back or sides rather than charging straight in.
What does “Valley of death” suggest
-biblical reference. immediately brings biblical imagery to highlight the fact we should respect the soldiers how we respect our holy book
This phrase being used in the poem is used to show the horror of what they now face,conations of hell.
What does “their”suggest
Repetition of ‘theirs’ and ‘six hundred’ objectifies them as a symbol rather than just men. Also helps tone becomes more solemn to show impending doom.
Give quotes about hell
“JAWS OF DEATH -personify death and hell seems like they are monsters the soldiers cant escape from
“MOUTH OF HELL”-Personifies death, used to exaggerate the futility and bravery of soldiers that they are going to die, but
do so boldly.
Give a quote that has positive and negative analysis
“WONDERED”-positive analysis-admire/amazing
negative analysis-whole world is questioning how a stupid mistake can be made
Drum like beat represents sound
What is the structure of the poem?
Ballad-important story which help people to remember
Dactylic dimeter-“THEIRS,WAS,NOT”-one stressed syllable followed by 2 stressed syllables
What was the problem in the war?
During the battle, a miscommunication sent the light brigade charging head first into the
cannons of the other side, it was a huge catastrophe and many died. It showed to the British that even mistakes can happen.
In the poem why did they carry on although they knew it was the wrong decision?
The men were respected for following orders, even though they knew they may be wrong. Some however have criticised the way they blindly followed
orders.
What can we say about stanza?
The poem is divided into 6 stanzas and uses a lot of repetition. Some of this is to show the different stages of the battle but
also give it a structure.
Is there any rhyme if so what does it show?
It has a very military rhyme and can be similar to the sound of marching drums of horse hooves. This is
used to reflect the military nature of the conflict in the poem.
What does the repetition show in the poem?
-The repetition within the poem helps capture the galloping military rhythm. This indicates the conflict and power building through the poem itself
What does the poet distinguish?
-The poet is clearly distinguishing between the bravery of the men and the foolish ‘blunder’ of the orders and suggests the six hundred should be seen as heroes.
How is religion included?
-The military language is mixed with religious allusion to suggest an epic scale, emphasising the risk and bravery.
Give a quote that is a rhetorical question and has an imperative in it?
“When can their glory fade?”
“honour”
Give analysis for “When can their glory fade?”
“honour”
Rhetorical question The poet does not seem sad that
these men died but rather is more concerned with their glory.
HONOUR-The imperative, ordering people to give their respect when many questioned the charge. The Poet is showing how the soldiers themselves should
be honoured, even if the decision to charge may have been wrong.
