reality of war = He explores individuals experiences. They are surrounded by danger as cannons are designed to kill. The danger is emphasised with the repetition of 'cannon' as it highlights the soldiers cannot escape
'Honour the charge they made/ Noblesix Hundred'
Present honour different = Many criticised Britain for joining the Crimean War. The British Government blamed the soldiers , but the poet claims the commanders are at fault and writes this poem to honour them
'Theirs not' ' Theirs but to do and die'
Both explore duty = repetition emphasises the solders' lack of questioning as they charge to death; it seems they understand their duty. 'do and die' suggests the soldiers know they will die which highlights their strong sense of duty to their country.
'Valley of death'
Brutal images = symbolise the inevitability of the tragedy. Metaphor for the battle ground. Suggest death surrounds the soldiers as walls of the valley they cannot escape.
