conflict poems Flashcards
who wrote charge of the light brigade?
Alfred, Lord Tennyson
what does the repeated phrase “rode the six hundred” suggest?
-emphasizes the soldiers’ bravery, unity, and unwavering obedience –The repetition creates a rhythm that mirrors the relentless movement of the cavalry, highlighting their heroism despite the inevitability of death.
how does the audience feel about the repeated phrase “rode the six hundred?
the audience would feel a mix of admiration and sorrow. The repetition highlights the soldiers’ bravery and unity, evoking respect for their courage.
What does the phrase “Theirs not to make reply, theirs not to reason why, theirs but to do and die” suggest about the soldiers?
It suggests that the soldiers had no choice but to follow orders without questioning them, highlighting their duty, discipline, and sacrifice.
How might the audience react to the phrase “Theirs not to make reply, theirs not to reason why, theirs but to do and die”?
The audience might feel admiration for the soldiers’ loyalty and bravery, but also pity and anger at the lack of control they had over their fate.
What historical event inspired The Charge of the Light Brigade?
The poem was inspired by the Battle of Balaclava during the Crimean War in 1854.
What does The Charge of the Light Brigade commemorate?
It commemorates the bravery and sacrifice of the British cavalry (the Light Brigade) who followed orders to charge into a valley, despite knowing it was a mistake.
What themes are explored in The Charge of the Light Brigade?
Themes of honour, sacrifice, bravery, obedience, and the futility of war are explored.
“Into the jaws of death, into the mouth of hell”
How does the personification of “Death” and “Hell” impact the poem?
The personification of “Death” and “Hell” as active, threatening forces makes the soldiers’ charge feel even more inevitable and emphasizes the life-or-death nature of their mission.
What is the effect of the repetition of “Cannon to right of them, Cannon to left of them, Cannon in front of them”?
This repetition highlights the overwhelming danger the soldiers faced as they were surrounded on all sides, emphasizing their bravery and the hopelessness of their situation.
How does Tennyson create a tone of admiration and tragedy?
The heroic words like “boldly” and “charging” convey admiration for the soldiers, while the description of their inevitable fate creates a tragic tone, evoking sympathy for their sacrifice.
What is the significance of the line “Theirs not to reason why, theirs but to do and die”?
It reflects the soldiers’ blind obedience to orders, highlighting the theme of duty and sacrifice
What is the effect of the regular rhyme scheme (ABCB) in The Charge of the Light Brigade?
The regular rhyme scheme creates a sense of order and rhythm, which reflects the soldiers’ discipline, but it contrasts with the chaotic and tragic nature of the charge, highlighting the tension between structure and the futility of the mission.
How does the structure of the poem contribute to the theme of bravery and sacrifice?
The regularity of the stanzas and the repetition of key phrases give a sense of ritual and commitment, reinforcing the soldiers’ bravery and the noble but tragic nature of their sacrifice.
What is the effect of the poem’s 6 stanzas?
The 6 stanzas could represent the 600 soldiers in the Light Brigade, symbolizing their collective bravery and sacrifice.
How does Tennyson portray the soldiers’ bravery in the poem?
Tennyson portrays the soldiers’ bravery through phrases like “Boldly they rode” and “Charging an army, while all the world wondered”, highlighting their courage and commitment to following orders, even in the face of almost certain death.
What does the repetition of “Theirs not to reason why” suggest about the soldiers’ obedience?
It suggests that the soldiers acted without questioning their orders, emphasizing blind obedience and the sense of duty that led them into a fatal charge, highlighting both their heroism and the tragic consequences of unquestioning loyalty.
What is the significance of the phrase “Into the valley of Death”?
The phrase evokes the idea of an inescapable, deadly situation, emphasizing the soldiers’ courage as they ride into certain death. It also underscores the futility of the mission, as the soldiers are willingly marching into a trap.
What is the impact of the final line of the poem, “When can their glory fade?”
it reflects the nature of the soldiers’ bravery, suggesting that their glory will never fade, even though their deaths were senseless. It elevates their sacrifice to a timeless symbol of heroism, ensuring that their courage will always be remembered.
How does Tennyson reflect the theme of sacrifice in the poem?
Tennyson reflects sacrifice through the soldiers’ willingness to face death without question. The repeated phrase “rode the six hundred” emphasizes their collective sacrifice, as they march toward death without hesitation, making their actions all the more tragic and heroic.
who wrote exposure?
Wilfred Owen
What is the context of Exposure by Wilfred Owen?
Exposure was written during World War I, reflecting the harsh conditions and psychological trauma faced by soldiers in the trenches. Owen, a soldier himself, critiques the war, highlighting not only the physical dangers but the mental and emotional toll it took on soldiers.
What is the effect of the repetitive nature of the structure in Exposure?
The repetition of certain phrases, such as “But nothing happens”, mirrors the monotonous (boring) and endless suffering the soldiers endure. It conveys a sense of hopelessness and the feeling of time standing still in the trenches, reinforcing the futility of war.
How does the use of regular stanzas in Exposure affect its impact?
The regular stanzas create a sense of order amidst the chaos, reflecting the soldiers’ routine in the trenches. However, the lack of resolution in the poem and the repetition of phrases like “But nothing happens” suggests the soldiers’ inability to escape their grim fate, emphasizing the hopelessness of their situation.
What is the significance of the phrase “But nothing happens” in Exposure?
to emphasize the soldiers’ sense of futility and despair. Despite facing the brutal conditions of the war, they are stuck in a constant state of waiting, with no change or resolution, highlighting the stagnation and hopelessness of their experience.
How does Wilfred Owen use personification in Exposure?
: Owen personifies the weather, describing it as an enemy that actively “attacks” the soldiers. For example, phrases like “The merciless iced east winds that knive us” show how the weather is portrayed as a hostile force, contributing to the soldiers’ suffering and making nature itself seem complicit in the war’s cruelty.
How does Exposure convey the theme of futility of war?
The repeated refrain “But nothing happens” emphasizes the pointless suffering the soldiers endure. Despite the brutal conditions, there is no progress in the war and no resolution, underscoring the futility of their sacrifices. The soldiers are trapped in a cycle of waiting, helpless and unable to escape the war’s grip.
How does Exposure explore the horrors of nature in war?
In Exposure, nature is presented as a powerful and cruel force that is just as deadly as the enemy. The soldiers are attacked by “merciless iced east winds”, and the harsh conditions are depicted as a constant threat, reinforcing the idea that the environment is an active participant in their suffering.
What does Owen suggest about the emotional and psychological toll of war in Exposure?
Owen suggests that the psychological toll of war is as damaging as the physical danger. The soldiers’ constant “waiting” and the unbearable cold contribute to a sense of emotional numbness. The poem’s bleak tone reflects the mental strain of warfare, and the “nothing happens” refrain highlights their growing sense of hopelessness.
Does Wilfred Owen promote or demote the idea of conflict in Exposure?
Owen demotes the idea of conflict by highlighting the horrors, futility, and suffering of war, portraying it as senseless and brutal.
