The Charge Of The Light Brigade

Question 1

Narrative

Answer 1

The poem, “The Charge of the Light Brigade” is about a group of 600 British soldiers who were sent into a battle against a much stronger group of Russian soldiers during the Crimean War. The light brigade fought bravely for their country, but lost many men to the Russians.

Question 2

Context

Answer 2

The poem recounts an assault by a brigade of British cavalry under the command of Lord James Thomas Brudenell, Earl of Cardigan, which cost the lives of 113 men and injured 143 others. The charge took place at the Battle of Balaclava, during Britain’s war with Russia in the Crimea in the mid 19th century.

Question 3

Structure

Answer 3

This poem consists of six stanzas of varying length.

Question 4

Form

Answer 4

Many of the lines are written in dactylic dimeter, which means there are six syllables in each line, with two stressed syllables and four unstressed syllables. Ths sound of the horses hooves hitting the ground when they charge into battle.

Question 5

Language techniques

Answer 5

Consists of poetic devices, imagery and themes of anti-war.