The Charge of the Light Brigade

• Who wrote the poem "Charge of the Light Brigade"?

  Alfred Lord Tennyson
• What event does the poem "Charge of the Light Brigade" commemorate?

  The Battle of Balaclava during the Crimean War
• What dual purpose does Tennyson have in writing the poem?

  To celebrate bravery and patriotism while questioning the futility and tragedy of war
• How does the theme of power manifest in the poem?

  Through the unquestionable obedience of the soldiers and the institutional power of military command
• What does the phrase 'the six hundred' signify in the poem?

  The soldiers demonstrating the power of their officers by following orders without question
• What does the poem symbolize with the phrase 'valley of Death'?


  The inevitable connection of war to death
• What poetic device does Tennyson use to create a sense of drama and tension?

  Repeated refrains such as 'Cannon to the right of them, cannon to the left of them'
• What rhythm does Tennyson use to mimic the pace of a cavalry charge?

  Dactylic dimeter
• How does Tennyson use imagery and metaphor in the poem?

  By using recurring imagery of guns and cannons to highlight the dangers faced by the soldiers
• What does the phrase 'Into the valley of Death' represent in the poem?

  A vivid metaphor of war as a deadly trap
• What message does Tennyson convey about the charge of the Light Brigade?

  It is both heroic and futile, emphasizing the tragic waste of life
• How does Tennyson express respect for the soldiers in the poem?

  By using the phrase 'noble six hundred'
• What does Tennyson urge the reader to do at the end of the poem?

  To honor the charge made by the soldiers
• What complex themes does the poem raise regarding war?

  Questions about duty, obedience, and the waste of war
• What are the main themes of "Charge of the Light Brigade"?

  • Power: Unquestionable obedience and institutional military power
  • Conflict: The connection between war and death
• What poetic devices are used in "Charge of the Light Brigade"?

  • Repeated refrains for drama and tension
  • Dactylic dimeter to mimic cavalry charge
  • Imagery and metaphor to highlight dangers and futility