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 and bravery of soldiers
  • The consequences of military blunders
  • The glorification of war
• What happens to the soldiers in "The Charge of the Light Brigade"?

  They are commanded to march to their deaths.
• What does the term "blunder" refer to in the context of the poem?

  It refers to a mistake in the order given to the soldiers.
• How does Tennyson instruct the reader to view the "noble six hundred"?

  He instructs them to remember, honour, and glorify them.
• What was Tennyson's role as poet laureate during the Crimean War?

  He was duty bound to glorify war to the British public.
• What was the initial conflict in the Crimean War about?

  It was between Russia and the Ottoman Empire.
• Why was the involvement of France and Britain in the Crimean War unpopular with the British public?

  They saw it as unnecessary and were aware of the mistakes made.
• What type of soldiers made up the Light Brigade?

  Members of the lower class who were lightly armoured and on horseback.
• What literary devices does Tennyson use in "The Charge of the Light Brigade"?

  • Repetition to emphasize distance and vulnerability
  • Rhetorical questions to imply doubt
  • Allusions to biblical themes for grand scale
  • Sibilance and fricatives to create a sinister tone
• What does the repetition of "Cannon to right of them, Cannon to left of them" signify?

  It emphasizes the harsh military machinery surrounding the soldiers.
• What does the phrase "valley of Death" symbolize in the poem?

  It symbolizes the danger and inevitability of tragedy faced by the soldiers.
• What is the structure of "The Charge of the Light Brigade"?

  It is written in ballad form.
• What is dactylic dimeter and how is it used in the poem?

  It is a rhythm of a long syllable followed by two short syllables, mirroring the rhythm of a horse running into battle.
• How does Tennyson's use of euphemisms affect the portrayal of battle?

  It softens the impact of the brutal battle and avoids explicitly referring to death.
• What does the metaphor "Jaws of death" imply about the soldiers' fate?

  It implies that the soldiers are trapped and will be destroyed by the conflict.
• What does the phrase "Honour the Light Brigade" signify at the end of the poem?

  It signifies the glorification of the soldiers' bravery and sacrifice.
• What are the similarities and differences between "The Charge of the Light Brigade" and "Bayonet Charge"?

  Similarities:

  • Both criticize leaders of war.
  • Both highlight the impact of propaganda.

  
  

  Differences:

  • "Charge of the Light Brigade" praises blind obedience, while "Bayonet Charge" challenges it.
  • Tennyson uses a celebratory tone, while Hughes adopts a critical tone.
• How do Tennyson and Owen portray the consequences of conflict in their poems?

  • Tennyson memorializes soldiers' valor.
  • Owen focuses on the psychological impact of war.
  • Both explore the theme of sacrifice.
• What does the ambiguity in "all the world wondered" suggest?

  It raises questions about whether "wondered" denotes admiration or doubt.
• What is the rhyme scheme of "The Charge of the Light Brigade"?

  The rhyme scheme is irregular with rhyming couplets between indented lines.
• What is the significance of the title "The Charge of the Light Brigade"?

  • Represents the literal charge of soldiers.
  • Reflects the power imbalance in the battle.
  • Suggests a double meaning regarding accountability for the deaths.