Charge of the Light Brigade by Alfred Lord Tennyson Flashcards
The poem in a nutshell…
This poem follows the journey of a light brigade of some 600 British soldiers as they charge head-first into the cannons and gunfire of a much-larger Russian army. The tone of the poem is one of pride; the poet does not mourn the loss of these soldiers nor does he show
anger towards the men who gave these wrong orders. Instead, their bravery is celebrated.
The poet uses repetition, imagery and a strong rhythm to highlight the army’s gallant charge into battle.
Context
Tennyson wrote “The Charge of the Light Brigade” in a few minutes on December 2, 1854.
It is based on the Battle of Balaclava in the Crimean War which was fought from 1853 to 1856.
On 25 October 1854, Lord Raglan decided to attack the Russians. He sent an order but it was fatally misinterpreted and 673 Light Brigade cavalrymen were sent charging down the valley with Russian guns all
around. Between 100 and 200 soldiers are thought to have died.
‘Into the jaws of Death, into the mouth of Hell’
The reader pictures the death and destruction that awaits the soldiers as they ride towards the Russian army. It is as if they are being swallowed by Hell and Death itself.
‘Cannon to right of them, Cannnon to left of them, Cannon behind them’
The repetition of the cannons gives the feeling of being
surrounded on all sides.
The rhythm created by the repetition and beats of the
syllables mimics the rhythm of the horses’ feet as they ride towards the Russians.
‘Reel’d from the sabrestroke Shatter’d and
sunder’d’
The alliterative ‘s’ sounds (sibilance) mimics the sound of the sabres (swords) swooshing through the air. Could also be sharp intakes of breath of men in pain and shock.
‘Shattered’ means broken and destroyed. ‘Sundered’ means to break into parts. This could refer to the army as a group or to men as individuals.
Aspects of Power or Conflict
This poem highlights the reality of conflicts and the deaths that are often a result. It celebrates the bravery of soldiers and seeks to honour and glamorise the sacrifices these men made.
Poems that can be linked
Bayonet Charge
Exposure
