Context/Abt the Poet

• Written by Lord Tennyson in 1854
• Lord Tennyson was Poet Laureate for much of the Victorian era
• As Laureate, Tennyson had to be supportive of the developing industry in England, but he believed very much in the beauty of nature, and so he was conflicted
• “Charge of the Light Brigade” is a tribute to the lives lost during a charge made in 1854.
• A misinterpreted order led the Light Brigade to ride straight into the line of enemy fire
• As Laureate, Tennyson had to create a sense of the heroism of the soldiers, rather than being outwardly critical of the poor decision-making that led to the tragedy
• Crimea War is the conflict and the factor that the Russian army hold all the power. Also the conflict is the ill-judgement of the commander who made a “blunder.” Conflict is the unwavering courage of the members of The Light Brigade who obeyed without questions.

  This is a patriotic poem that glorifies the courage and heroism of the men who fought, tells us to remember the dead and their noble deeds.