poetry - charge of the light brigade Flashcards
“When can their glory fade?” - what is the meaning of this quote (technique and meaning)
Rhetorical question. Encourages the reader to think for themselves about how to honour the men that lost their lives.
“Into the valley of Death” - what is the meaning of the quote (technique and meaning)
Metaphor. This horrific image highlights the danger of the situation and the brutal fate that awaited the men.
“Not the six hundred” - what is the meaning of this quote (technique and meaning)
Creates a sombre tone. Here, the reader is encouraged to think about the extent of the loss.
“Into the Jaws of Death” - what is the meaning of the quote (technique and meaning)
Personification. This horrific image highlights the danger of the situation and the brutal fate that awaited the men.
“Theirs not to make reply / Theirs…” - what is the meaning of the quote (technique and meaning)
“Theirs not to make reply / Theirs not to reason why / Theirs but to do and die”. The repetition suggests the soldiers’ lack of control over their fate. In an almost robotic way, they have been conditioned to follow instructions, no matter what they might be.
“Cannon to right of them / Cannon to left of them…” - what is the meaning of the quote (technique and meaning)
The repetition highlights the violence. It also highlights how helpless the soldiers are to defend themselves against the onslaught of enemy fire. It also highlights how their fate is inescapable.
“Honour the charge they made!..” - what is the meaning of the quote (technique and meaning)
“Honour the charge they made! / Honour the Light Brigade / Noble six hundred.” Repetition of the imperative verb “honour” cements the poet’s message that these men are worthy of a reader’s admiration and respect.
