The Charge of the Light Brigade

Question 1

The Charge of the Light Brigade — Context:

Answer 1

• This poem was written by Alfred Lord Tennyson and is based on a battle during the Crimean War between Britain and Russia (1853–56)
• Set in the Battle of Balaclava. Lord Raglan decided to attack the Russians, but his written order of “go quickly to the front…stop the enemy carrying away the guns” was fatally misinterpreted.
• The order was given to the British Army’s Cavalry Division and 600 cavalrymen ended up charging down a narrow valley straight into the fire of Russian cannons.
• Over 150 British soldiers were killed and more than 120 wounded.
• After this disaster, a nation that had embraced British Military exploits abroad began to question the politicians and generals who led them. Tennyson wrote this poem in response.

Question 2

The Charge of the Light Brigade — Rhyme:

Answer 2

The rhyme scheme varies with each stanza – there is no set pattern and it’s inconsistent. This reinforces the ever-changing circumstances that the soldiers had to endure.

Question 3

The Charge of the Light Brigade — Structure:

Answer 3

6 numbered stanzas of varying length.

Stanzas 2– 5 when the Light Brigade are engaging the enemy are longer, which reflect the prolonged and difficult struggle of the soldiers.

The final stanza is the shortest, emphasising the finality of the soldiers’ fates.

The 6 numbered stanzas act as 6 memorial stones for the 600 soldiers.

Question 4

The Charge of the Light Brigade — Rhythm:

Answer 4

Dactylic Dimeter.

6 syllables – 1 stressed followed by 2 unstressed. The rhythm evokes the galloping sound of horses charging into battle.