Charge of the Light Brigade - Alfred Lord Tennyson

Question 1

STRUCTURE

Answer 1

• Written in diameter and dactylic (two stresses in each line, with the syllables after unstressed eg. ONE-two-three ONE-two-three rhythm.)
• The drop in stress is perhaps to show the sudden charge and then collapse, or the sound of horses galloping.
• Divided into 6 stanzas and uses a lot of repetition, showing different stages of the battle and giving it a structure.
• It has a very military rhyme and can be similar to the sound of marching drums or horse hooves. This is used to reflect the military nature of the conflict in the poem.

Question 2

CONTEXT

Answer 2

• Set in the Crimean War in Russia.
• At this time, while there were basic guns and cannons, people would still also fight on horses. However, the light brigade were very lightly equipped, more for scouting or attacking from the back or sides.
• During a battle, a miscommunication sent the light brigade charging head first into the cannons of the other side. Many died.
• The men were respected for following orders, even though they knew they may be wrong. Some have criticised the way they blindly followed orders.

Question 3

AUTHOR

Answer 3

Alfred Lord Tennyson.

Question 4

KEY IDEAS

Answer 4

• The repetition within the poem helps capture the galloping military rhythm. This indicates the conflict and power building through the poem itself.
• 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.
• The military language is mixed with religious allusion to suggest an epic scale, emphasising the risk and bravery.

Question 5

KEY QUOTES

Answer 5

“Into the valley of death”
“Theirs not to make reply, Theirs not to reason why, Theirs but to do and die.”
“stormed at with shot and shell”
“Honour the Light Brigade, Noble six hundred!”

Question 6

Analysis - “Into the valley of death”

Answer 6

• Biblical allusion to show the horror of what they now face.
• Connotation of hell.

Question 7

Analysis - “Theirs not to make reply, Theirs not to reason why, Theirs but to do and die.”

Answer 7

• Repetition of ‘theirs’ and ‘six hundred’ objectifies them as a symbol rather than just men.
• Also helps tone become more solemn to show impending doom.

Question 8

Analysis - “stormed at with shot and shell”

Answer 8

• Sibilance to imply the swiftness of the charge.
• ‘shot and shell’ = the more advanced weapons that the enemy soldier have are shown.

Question 9

Analysis - “Honour the Light Brigade, Noble six hundred!”

Answer 9

• The imperative ‘honour’, 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.