Poetry - the charge of the light brigade Flashcards
(12 cards)
What is the linked poem and how are they connected?
Both The Charge of the Light Brigade and The Man He Killed explore the theme of war but in different perspectives. Tennyson glorifies the bravery and duty of soldiers who follow orders despite facing certain death, highlighting patriotism and honour. However, Hardy presents the futility of war through a soldier’s regretful reflection on killing a man who he could’ve been friends with.
Who’s the author?
Lord Tennyson
What’s the overall idea?
The poem celebrates the bravery of soldiers during the Crimean War, despite their doomed fate. It depicts the disastrous charge of British cavalry and glorifies the soldiers’ loyalty to their country.
When was it written?
1854 - during the Crimean War.
What’s the narrative perspective and why?
Third-person, omniscient perspective. This means the speaker is a detached observer who can see and understand the thoughts and feelings of multiple characters.
What’s the rhyme scheme and why?
Complex, inconsistent rhyme scheme magnifies the chaos of the scene.
What’s the form?
Dactylic dimeter - echos horses marching.
What’s the context?
This charge was a result of a miscommunication, leading to a devastatingly high number of casualties for the British cavalry - during Crimean war.
Half a league, half a league, half a league onward
Triple - shows the sudden effect of war, almost starting in media res. Builds tension and momentum for the audience. (difference)k
jaws of death” “mouth of hell
These images personify death and hell and make them seem like monsters that the soldiers can’t escape from. Even though the soldiers seem confident and ready to sacrifice their lives, between the lines, they also had no control over their actions. (similarity and difference)
Their’s not to make reply / their’s not to to reason why / their’s to do and die
The soldiers are following orders without questioning the reasons. Tennyson alludes to the importance of blind obedience as part of military duty, suggesting the soldiers are used as tools in war and should sacrifice their lives if needed to. (similarity)
When can their glory fade?
Rhetorical questions focuses on the soldiers’ courage and bravery not the immense defeat they faced. They had no time to reflect on their own killings as they were killed themselves. (difference)
