Charge Of The Light Brigade

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

  Alfred Lord Tennyson
• What was the initial impression of the poem by the speaker?

  It seemed like a simple praise of bravery
• Why is it important to offer alternative interpretations of the poem?

  To access higher grades in exams
• What does the speaker suggest about the poet's presence in interpreting the poem?

  We don't know if our interpretations are correct
• How many hours of study did the speaker put into the poem?

  10 to 12 hours
• What is the significance of the speaker's guide mentioned in the video?

  It contains detailed analysis of the poem
• When was Alfred Lord Tennyson born and when did he die?

  Born in 1809, died in 1892
• Why is Tennyson considered the quintessential Victorian poet?

  He lived and died during Victoria's reign
• What was Tennyson's financial situation early in his career?

  He suffered from poverty
• What was the relationship between Tennyson and Emily?

  He was engaged to her, then married
• How did Tennyson's early financial struggles influence his poetry?

  It created a criticism of the upper class
• What role was Tennyson appointed to in 1850?

  Poet Laureate
• What was expected of the poet laureate during Tennyson's time?

  To write verse on national significance
• What do critics say about Tennyson's poetry after becoming poet laureate?

  He wrote less inspired verse afterwards
• What years did the Crimean War take place?

  1853 to 1856
• Why did Britain join the Crimean War?

  To prevent Russian expansion threatening trade
• How was the Crimean War perceived by the British public?

  It was largely unpopular and questioned
• What was the date of the Battle of Balaclava?

  October 24, 1854
• What was the stated aim of the Light Brigade?

  To work as reconnaissance and mop up
• What was the outcome of the Light Brigade's charge?

  They were torn to pieces by gunfire
• How many soldiers were in the Light Brigade?

  About 600 soldiers
• What was the role of war reporting during the Crimean War?

  It marked the birth of war reporting
• How did Tennyson react to the newspaper report about the charge?

  He was struck by the phrase "hideous blunder"
• What dual interpretation can be made about the poem's message?

  It praises bravery while criticizing leadership
• What societal belief does the poem question regarding Victorian society?

  Blind obedience to authority and hierarchy
• What is the structure of "The Charge of the Light Brigade"?

  It is a ballad
• What is a refrain in poetry?

  A repeated line throughout the poem
• How does the refrain function in "The Charge of the Light Brigade"?

  It emphasizes the number of soldiers involved
• What are the key themes in "The Charge of the Light Brigade"?

  • Bravery and honor of soldiers
  • Criticism of leadership and upper classes
  • The futility of war
  • Blind obedience to authority
• What are the historical and social contexts surrounding "The Charge of the Light Brigade"?

  • The Crimean War (1853-1856)
  • British public skepticism about the war
  • Class distinctions in the military
  • The role of war reporting in shaping public opinion
• How should students approach analyzing poetry for exams?

  • Offer alternative interpretations
  • Focus on language, structure, and form
  • Understand historical and social contexts
  • Be prepared to discuss multiple themes
• What is the main theme of the poem discussed?

  Honor the bravery of the 600 soldiers
• What form of poetry is the poem described as?

  Ballad
• What is a key characteristic of a ballad?

  It tells a story and contains a refrain
• How does the refrain function in the poem?

  It emphasizes the importance of the 600 soldiers
• What historical roots does the ballad form have?

  Medieval roots used by storytellers
• What does the use of the ballad form suggest about the poem?

  It has an element of folklore and bravery
• What dual purpose does Tennyson have in writing the poem?

  Honor soldiers and criticize leadership mistakes
• What is ductility meter in poetry?

  A meter that emphasizes certain syllables
• Why does Tennyson use ductility meter in the poem?

  To enhance the reader's empathy for soldiers