The Charge of the Light Brigade

• The Charge of the Light Brigade

  The poem is a euphemism to soften the impact of the brutal war and the effect of the incompetence of those in power, which contrasts ’Exposure’.
• “While horse and hero fell”


  softens impact as its never directly stated to be death
• “Valley of death” “Mouth of death”


  Metaphorical / Biblical illusion. “Valley of death” reference Psalms : 23, refers to protection provided by God which is ironic given the situation. It also symbolises the inevitability of tragedy. The higher ranks *shouldve* protected the man, yet forced them to engage in a dangerous conflict. “Mouth of hell” the story of the harrying of hell, which is when Jesus went to hell to recieve the souls of those condemned to achieve salvation, which relates to the soldiers who sacrificed their freedom for those at home.
• “Half a league, half a league, half a league onwards”


  Immediate res, thrown instantly into the action. Repetition forms a tense atmosphere, and also reflects the rhythm of horses and men charging into battle. It also symbolises the inevitability of tragedy.
• “There’s not to make reply, there’s not to reason why, there’s but to do and die” 


  Rule or three, implies soldiers can’t questions orders even if it means certain death. It shows the nobility, loyalty and honour.
• “When can their glory fade?”

  Rhetorical question - emphasising how they will always be remembered as heroes, it challenges the readers to never forget their sacrifice, emphasises honour and nobility again.