Charge Of The Light Brigade (CLB)

Question 1

“Half a league, half a league,

Half a league onward,”

Answer 1

Tennyson opens the poem with repetition to emphasise the distance and peril faced by the Light Brigade.

Question 2

“‘Forward, the Light Brigade!’”

Answer 2

• The commander’s order highlights the soldiers’ obedience and duty-bound mindset despite knowing the potential error in command.
• Tennyson showcases the soldiers’ loyalty and selflessness.

Question 3

“Into the valley of Death

Rode the six hundred.”

Answer 3

• Marching into the valley of Death is a biblical reference, which underlines their sacrifice and bravery.
• Tennyson’s use of references to the number of men arguably emphasises the futility of war.

Question 4

“Theirs not to make reply,

Theirs not to reason why,

Theirs but to do and die:”

Answer 4

The use of anaphora, a type of repetition, emphasises the solidiers’ sense of duty, their heroism and unquestioning loyalty.

Question 5

“Cannon to the right of them,

Cannon to left of them,

Cannon in front of them”

Answer 5

Tennyson’s use of anaphora reiterates the overwhelming danger faced by the Light Brigade, emphasising their resilience in the face of such adversity and underscoring their valour.

Question 6

“Flash’d all their sabres bare,

Flash’d as they turn’d in air

Sabring the gunners there,

Charging an army … “

Answer 6

• The depiction of the soldiers’ bravery in the face of overwhelming odds reinforces their heroism.
• Tennyson uses repetition and the poem’s rhyme scheme to celebrate their courage and martial prowess against insurmountable challenges.

Question 7

“When can their glory fade?”

Answer 7

Tennyson’s use of a rhetorical question reminds the reader of the enduring legacy of the Light Brigade’s valiant charge, highlighting their immortality.

Question 8

“All that was left of them,”

Answer 8

• Tennyson reflects on the devastating toll of the battle, underscoring the magnitude of the sacrifice made by the Light Brigade.
• The poignant, simple phrase emphasises the enormity of their loss and heroism.

Question 9

“O the wild charge they made!”

Answer 9

• Tennyson celebrates the audacity and fearlessness of the Light Brigade’s charge, immortalising their daring feat.
• The exclamatory tone captures the “wild” intensity of their action.

Question 10

“Honour the charge they made!

Honour the Light Brigade”

Answer 10

• Tennyson’s imperative urges recognition and reverence for the bravery and sacrifice of the Light Brigade.
• The repetition of “Honour” underscores the poet’s call for remembrance.

Question 11

“Noble six hundred!”

Answer 11

• Tennyson concludes with an epithet honouring the soldiers’ sacrifice and immortalising their valour in the collective memory.
• The adjective “Noble” encapsulates their heroic stature and dignity.