cotlb

Question 1

message

Answer 1

shows patriotism surrounding war, praises those in war for their bravery and glorifys conflict. Perhaps critical of power and conformity of hierarchial systems.

Question 2

form

Answer 2

ballard

Sung as a story, with a refrain (“six hundred”). Important storys which should not be forgotten

Question 3

structure

Answer 3

dactylic dimeter with a few lines not following pattern

1 stressed syllable followed by 2 unstressed syllables. It is a “falling rhythm” perhaps reflecting the fallen soldiers emphasising the importance of remembering them. 

One of the lines not following rhythm is “someone had blundered” (only 1 unstressed syllable) emphasises word blundered. Criticising the leadership error leading to a suicidal mission by subtly drawing our attention to the word. Had to be subtly as he is poet laureate

Question 4

biblical references

Answer 4

“into the valley of death” (psalm 23)

Highligths the inspiring nature of the soldiers nature that it is almost biblical in the way we should respect adn remember it. 

Also david and goliath – underdog taking on more powerful opponent. Imagery highlighting their bravery.

Question 5

repetition

Answer 5

“theirs not to..maek reply. theirs not to…reason why theirs but to do and die”

Value for order and obedience within society. However, may not be praise, could be critical of the lack of individual freedom in the armed forces

Question 6

lexical choice

Answer 6

“all the world WONDERED”

Wondered in the positive analysis - we can interpret this word to mean to admire or to be amazed by in other words everyone was awestruck by the bravery of the soldiers 

Wondered in sescondary meaning – wondered why they did this. The whole world is questioning how such a stupid mistake could have been made.

Question 7

context

Answer 7

battle of balaclava and tennyson was poet laureate at the time