Charge Of The Light Brigade

Question 1

Key theme/surface meaning?

Answer 1

About war, life and death. Sacrifice and folly
Links to conflict and shows peoples views on war at the time.
Contains reference to biblical/religious ideas as well as bravery and fear.

Question 2

Deeper Meaning?

Answer 2

Patriotic, they died needlessly, should be proud of their service,the poet is distinguishing between bravery of the men and the foolish ‘blunder’ of the order and suggests the 600 should be seen as heroes.

Question 3

Quote 1 and explanation?

Answer 3

Valley of death - metaphor, biblical allusion to show the horror of what they now face - connotation of hell, it’s repeated to show they are getting closer to death, the idea they were never going to survive.

Question 4

Quote 2 and explanation?

Answer 4

‘When can their glory fade?’ - rhetorical question, the poet does not seem sad that these men died but rather is more concerned with their glory. Memorable heroes.

Question 5

Quote 3 and explanation?

Answer 5

‘Cannon to the right of them, cannon to the left of them, cannon in front of them’ - links to war and conflict, demonstrate how the odds are against them, repetition to show scale of guns against them.
Danger surroundings

Question 6

What does the structure show?

Answer 6

each stanza tracks progress, rhyme indicates form of honour (thought about), rhythm of the horses galloping.