The Charge of the Light Brigade - Alfred Lord Tennyson

• 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 Tennyson's role as poet laureate?

  To glorify war to the British public
• What does the repetition of "half a league" emphasize in the poem?

  The soldiers' exposure and vulnerability
• What does the phrase "valley of Death" symbolize?

  The danger and inevitability of death
• What literary form does "The Charge of the Light Brigade" take?

  Ballad form
• What is dactylic dimeter used to mirror in the poem?

  The rhythm of a horse running into battle
• How does Tennyson use euphemisms in the poem?

  To soften the impact of brutal battle
• What does the metaphor "jaws of death" imply?

  Soldiers will be overwhelmed by violence
• What does the rhetorical question "When can their glory fade?" suggest?

  It questions the lasting impact of their sacrifice
• How does Tennyson's poem differ from "Bayonet Charge" in tone?

  It adopts a more celebratory and patriotic tone
• What are the similarities and differences between "Charge of the Light Brigade" and "Bayonet Charge"?

  Similarities:

  • Both criticize war leaders
  • Both use repetition to emphasize loss

  
  

  Differences:

  • Tennyson praises obedience; Hughes questions it
  • Tennyson's tone is celebratory; Hughes is critical
• How do Tennyson and Owen depict the consequences of conflict in their poems?

  • Tennyson memorializes soldiers' valor
  • Owen focuses on psychological trauma and aftermath
• What does the phrase "honour the Light Brigade" imply about Tennyson's view on war?

  It glorifies the soldiers' sacrifice
• What does the term "Cossack" refer to in the poem?

  A type of Russian cavalry
• How does Tennyson's use of alliteration affect the poem's tone?

  It creates a rhythmic and dramatic effect
• What does the phrase "storm'd at with shot and shell" convey about the soldiers' experience?

  It emphasizes the chaos and danger they faced
• What is the significance of the phrase "all the world wonder'd" in the poem?

  It raises questions about admiration or doubt
• What does the term "imperative" refer to in the context of the poem's closing lines?

  Commands that glorify the soldiers
• How does Tennyson's background influence the poem's themes?

  His role as laureate shapes its glorification of war
• What does the irregular rhyme scheme in the poem suggest?

  It introduces chaos amidst the sense of inevitability
• What does the phrase "storm'd at with shot and shell" imply about the soldiers' situation?

  They were under heavy fire and attack
• What does the term "sabre" refer to in the poem?

  A type of sword used by cavalry
• How does Tennyson's use of biblical allusion affect the poem's meaning?

  It creates irony regarding divine protection
• What does the phrase "they that had fought so well" imply about the soldiers' efforts?

  It acknowledges their bravery despite the outcome
• How does Tennyson's portrayal of the Light Brigade differ from that of the leaders?

  He glorifies the soldiers while critiquing leaders
• What is the effect of the phrase "Cannon to right of them, Cannon to left of them"?

  It emphasizes their dangerous situation
• What does the phrase "plunged in the battery-smoke" suggest about the soldiers' charge?

  They are entering a chaotic and dangerous environment
• How does Tennyson's use of imagery contribute to the poem's overall impact?

  It vividly depicts the chaos and heroism of battle
• What does the phrase "honour the charge they made" imply about Tennyson's perspective on war?

  It suggests a glorification of sacrifice
• What does the term "battery" refer to in the context of the poem?

  A group of artillery pieces
• How does Tennyson's use of repetition affect the poem's message?

  It reinforces themes of duty and sacrifice
• What does the phrase "theirs not to make reply" suggest about the soldiers' mindset?

  They are obedient and follow orders without question
• How does Tennyson's portrayal of the Light Brigade reflect Victorian values?

  It emphasizes duty, bravery, and obedience
• What is the significance of the phrase "noble six hundred"?

  It honors the soldiers' bravery and sacrifice
• How does Tennyson's background influence the poem's portrayal of war?

  His experiences shape a glorified view of conflict