The Charge of the Light Brigade

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

  Alfred Lord Tennyson
• What is the main theme of "The Charge of the Light Brigade"?

  • Heroism in the face of death
  • Critique of military leadership
  • The tragedy of war
• What happens to the soldiers in "The Charge of the Light Brigade"?

  They march to their deaths heroically
• What is described as a "blunder" in the poem?

  A mistake in the soldiers' orders
• How does Tennyson instruct readers to view the "noble six hundred"?

  To remember, honour, and glorify them
• What historical event is "The Charge of the Light Brigade" associated with?

  The Crimean War
• What was the public perception of the Crimean War?

  It was seen as unnecessary and unpopular
• What does the repetition of "Cannon" signify in the poem?

  It emphasizes the soldiers' perilous situation
• What literary device is used in "Into the valley of Death"?

  A biblical allusion
• How does Tennyson create a sense of urgency in the poem?

  Through repetition and dactylic dimeter
• What is the structure of "The Charge of the Light Brigade"?

  • Ballad form
  • Dactylic dimeter
  • Irregular rhyme scheme
• What does Tennyson use to soften the impact of death in the poem?

  Euphemisms
• What does the metaphor "Jaws of death" imply?

  Imminent danger and destruction
• How does Tennyson's role as poet laureate influence the poem?

  He glorifies war to support the aristocracy
• What are the similarities between "Charge of the Light Brigade" and "Bayonet Charge"?

  • Both criticize war leaders
  • Use of propaganda themes
  • Highlight the consequences of conflict
• What are the differences between "Charge of the Light Brigade" and "Bayonet Charge"?

  • Tennyson praises obedience; Hughes questions it
  • Tennyson uses traditional language; Hughes uses modern
  • Tennyson's tone is celebratory; Hughes is critical
• How do "Charge of the Light Brigade" and "Exposure" compare in their critique of military decisions?

  • Both criticize military leadership
  • Tennyson uses euphemisms; Owen depicts isolation
  • Repetition in both highlights violence and mistakes
• What are the similarities and differences between "Charge of the Light Brigade" and "Remains"?

  Similarities:

  • Explore consequences of conflict

  Differences:

  • "Remains" is first-person; "Charge" is narrative
  • "Remains" focuses on psychological impact; "Charge" on valor
• What does the phrase "all the world wondered" create in the poem?

  Ambiguity about admiration or doubt
• What is the effect of the irregular rhyme scheme in the poem?

  It introduces chaos and inevitability
• How does Tennyson use repetition in the poem?

  To emphasize obedience and lack of individualism
• What does the use of sibilance in the poem create?

  A sinister tone and aggressive violence
• What does the imperative "Honour the Light Brigade" signify?

  A call to glorify the soldiers' actions
• What does the phrase "Came thro' the jaws of Death" imply?

  Survival against overwhelming odds
• What does the phrase "Left of six hundred" emphasize?

  The loss of life during the battle
• How does Tennyson's use of dactylic dimeter affect the poem's rhythm?

  It mirrors the rhythm of horses in battle
• What does the phrase "storm'd at with shot and shell" convey?

  The intensity of the battle they faced
• What does Tennyson's use of alliteration in "horse and hero fell" achieve?

  It emphasizes the tragedy of death
• What is the significance of the phrase "valley of death" in the poem?

  It symbolizes the soldiers' perilous situation
• How does Tennyson's portrayal of the Light Brigade differ from Hughes' portrayal in "Bayonet Charge"?

  Tennyson glorifies obedience; Hughes critiques it
• What does the rhetorical question "When can their glory fade?" imply?

  It suggests eternal remembrance of the soldiers
• What is the effect of the phrase "Honour the charge they made!"?

  It calls for recognition of their bravery
• How does Tennyson's use of euphemisms affect the poem's tone?

  It softens the brutality of war
• What does the phrase "plunged in the battery-smoke" suggest about the soldiers' experience?

  They are engulfed in chaos and danger
• What does the phrase "theirs not to make reply" indicate about the soldiers' mindset?

  They are obedient and follow orders
• How does Tennyson's use of imagery contribute to the poem's overall message?

  It highlights the heroism and tragedy of war
• What is the significance of the phrase "noble six hundred"?

  It honors the soldiers' bravery and sacrifice
• How does Tennyson's background influence the themes in the poem?

  His experiences shape his views on war
• What does the phrase "storm'd at with shot and shell" convey about the battle conditions?

  It illustrates the overwhelming firepower faced
• What does the phrase "Cossack and Russian reel'd from the sabre-stroke" imply?

  They were affected by the soldiers' charge