Charge of the Light Brigade

Question 1

Sounds sinister - the reader is warned right from the start that something bad is going to happen

Answer 1

“valley of death”

Question 2

Rhyme and repetition emphasise the soldiers’ obedience and sense of duty, even though they know they will almost certainly be killed.

Answer 2

“theirs not to make reply/
theirs not to reason why/
theirs but to do and die”

Question 3

These images personify death and hell and make them seem like monsters that the soldiers can’t escape from

Answer 3

“jaws of Death/..mouth of Hell”

Question 4

Soldiers realise the order was a mistake but do what they’re told because it’s their duty to obey orders. The poet respects them for this.

Answer 4

“someone had blunder’d”

Question 5

Praises the bravery and nobility of the soldiers who obeyed their orders and charged to their deaths.

Answer 5

“Noble six hundred”