The Charge of the Light Brigade
This subtopic explores Alfred, Lord Tennyson's 'The Charge of the Light Brigade', a narrative poem commemorating the ill-fated cavalry charge during the Battle of Balaclava in the Crimean War. It focuses on the themes of duty, heroism, and the tragic consequences of military blunder, while employing vivid imagery and a galloping rhythm to immerse the reader in the chaos of battle. Students will examine how Tennyson uses poetic devices to both glorify the soldiers' bravery and subtly critique the command that led to their sacrifice.
Learning Objectives
What you need to know and understand
- Analyse how Tennyson uses structure and rhyme to create a sense of the cavalry charge’s momentum.
- Evaluate the ways in which the poem presents the soldiers’ experience of battle.
- Explore the significance of the refrain 'Theirs not to reason why, / Theirs but to do and die'.
- Consider the poem’s critical presentation of military leadership.
- Examine the interplay between glorification and tragedy in Tennyson’s tone.
- Compare the presentation of duty in this poem with one other from the Power and Conflict anthology.
Marking Points
Key points examiners look for in your answers
- Demonstrates understanding of the poem’s historical context (the Charge of the Light Brigade during the Crimean War).
- Analyses the effect of the dactylic dimeter and its disruption to mimic the chaos of battle.
- Explores the semantic field of death and violence (e.g., 'valley of Death', 'jaws of Death', 'mouth of Hell').
- Discusses the repeated refrain and its impact on the theme of unquestioning duty.
- Considers Tennyson’s role as Poet Laureate and the poem’s function as both tribute and veiled criticism.
- Uses accurate quotations to support argument, such as 'When can their glory fade?' or 'Someone had blundered.'
Examiner Tips
Expert advice for maximising your marks
- 💡Begin with a clear thesis that directly addresses the question.
- 💡Use subject terminology precisely: identify dactylic dimeter and anaphora rather than just describing the rhythm.
- 💡Integrate short, embedded quotations to support each analytical point.
- 💡Refer to the context of the poem’s creation, but ensure it is relevant to your argument rather than bolted on.
- 💡If the question asks for comparison, structure your essay with integrated paragraphs that compare both poems on a theme.
Common Mistakes
Pitfalls to avoid in your exam answers
- Merely paraphrasing the events of the charge without analysing language or structure.
- Ignoring the significance of the poem’s rhythm and sound effects (e.g., dactylic meter).
- Failing to consider the dual perspective of the poem: glorifying the soldiers but criticising the command.
- Overlooking the historical context of the Crimean War and the miscommunication that led to the charge.
- Treating the poem as a simple celebration of war without acknowledging its critical undertones.
Study Guide Available
Comprehensive revision notes & examples
Key Terminology
Essential terms to know
- Duty and blind obedience
- Heroism and self-sacrifice
- The horror of warfare
- Military miscommunication
- Patriotic commemoration
- Rhythm and sound symbolism
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