The Charge Of The Light Brigade Flashcards
Who is the author of the charge of the light brigade and when was it written
Alfred lord tennyson , 1854
Structure and form of COTLB
-fixed rhythms and pattern which creates sense of inevitability however chaos is introduced by the irregular rhyme scheme
-ballad which is a historic poetry form used as a story to commemorate a story for future generations to hear, the use of a ballad form helps immortalize the soldiers’ bravery, ensuring their legacy is passed down through generations.
-Tennyson uses dactylic dimeter which mimics the galloping of the cavalry’s horses, creating a sense of momentum and urgency. The fast-paced rhythm reflects the unstoppable movement of the charge, drawing the reader into the action. However, the irregularity of the meter also conveys the chaos and unpredictability of battle
Summary of COTLB
A large brigade of soldiers are commanded to march to their deaths, they charge heroically but few remain as they retreat
Key themes of COTLB
Conflict, courage, duty, battle between good and evil
COTLB key quotes
“Honour the light brigade ”
“Into the valley of death rode the six hundred”
“Cannon to right of them, cannon to left of them”
“Theirs not to reason why theirs but to do and die “
Context of COTLB
-could be implied that it’s a battle between religious good or evil, leading Christian readers to support the soldiers
-Crimean war was perceived as worthwhile and glorious
- The glorification of war was deeply embedded in British culture, with heroism and sacrifice being viewed as the highest expressions of masculine virtue and patriotism
-the most well documented war at the time, (the Crimean War and particularly the Charge of the Light Brigade) exposed the failures of military leadership and the harsh realities of war. For the first time, due to advancements in journalism and photography, the British public was confronted with the brutal consequences of battle, leading to increasing criticism of the British army’s incompetence
Analyse quote: ‘Honour the light brigade
-imperative verb which gives a direct command to the reader
-Tennyson ensures that the soldiers’ sacrifice is not forgotten, urging the public to commemorate their bravery rather than question the leadership mistakes that led to the doomed charge. This reflects the Victorian era’s militaristic and patriotic ideals, where obedience to authority and national loyalty were considered paramount.
Analyse quote “into the valley of death rode the six hundred “
-This religious reference to a Psalm in the bible positions the soldiers as martyrs, individuals who willingly sacrifice their lives for a greater cause. In Victorian society, which strongly upheld Christian values, this would have resonated deeply with readers, reinforcing the idea that their duty and courage were righteous and honorable, rather than reckless or misguided.
- The use of “Death” with a capital “D” gives it an almost personified quality, reinforcing the idea that death is an inevitable, omnipotent force awaiting them.
- the phrase “valley of death” functions as a powerful image evoking a scene of darkness, destruction, and inescapable doom. This reflects the real-life military miscommunication that led the Light Brigade to charge directly into heavily fortified Russian artillery, making their fate both tragic and inevitable.
Analyse quote “theirs not to reason why theirs but to do and die”
-Victorian brainwashing they thought there was no honour greater than dying for one’s country, Paintings, poetry, and novels all contributed to a romanticized image of war, making it appear as an adventure rather than a brutal and horrific reality.
-Victorian attitudes to being a man - they were feared to not be accepted by society if not they would be considered not masculine, Men were expected to be providers, protectors, and leaders—but always within the rigid framework of obedience to the state, the church, and the monarchy. Questioning authority was seen as a betrayal, not only of the military but of the values that held Victorian society together.
-anaphora
The use of the third-person plural pronoun “Theirs” distances the soldiers from any sense of personal agency or decision-making, implying that they are merely instruments of war rather than individuals with independent will. It is almost as if the soldiers have been stripped of personal identity and reduced to a collective force that exists only to serve orders.
Analyse quote : “cannon to the right of them cannon to left of them”
- the repetition of “Cannon” emphasizes how completely the soldiers are surrounded by gunfire, reinforcing the inescapable danger they face. The line contributes to the growing tension in the poem, making it clear that the Light Brigade is riding into a trap with no chance of retreat.
-This highlights the contrast between human vulnerability and the relentless power of modern warfare. The soldiers, armed only with sabres, are riding directly into artillery fire, a hopeless mismatch that underscores the futility of the charge.
