The Charge of the Light Brigade by Tennyson
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Questions and Answers

What was Tennyson's official role during the time he wrote 'The Charge of the Light Brigade'?

  • War Correspondent
  • Poet Laureate (correct)
  • Parliament Member
  • Military General

The Charge of the Light Brigade were heavily armoured, upper class soldiers.

False (B)

What war is 'The Charge of the Light Brigade' about?

Crimean War

Tennyson instructs the reader to remember, honour and glorify the 'noble ______'.

<p>six hundred</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the central theme of 'The Charge of the Light Brigade'?

<p>The glory and honor of warfare, even in the face of death (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is emphasized by the repetition of 'Half a league, half a league'?

<p>How far they have to go and the sense of their exposure. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following elements from 'The Charge of the Light Brigade' with their significance:

<p>Valley of Death = Represents the soldiers' perilous destination and the high likelihood of death. Sabres = Symbolizes the Light Brigade's outdated weaponry against modern artillery. Blunder = Highlights the error in communication that led to the disastrous charge. Six Hundred = Represents the collective identity of the brigade.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the public's opinion of the Crimean War, and how might this have influenced Tennyson's approach to writing the poem?

<p>Unpopular, Tennyson was likely trying to maintain a position of glorifying war, despite public opinion.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which literary device is used in the line 'Into the valley of Death' to create a grand sense of scale and foreshadow death?

<p>Biblical allusion (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The phrase 'Theirs not to reason why' suggests the soldiers were encouraged to question their orders.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the rhetorical question 'Was there a man dismay'd?' imply about the soldiers' frame of mind?

<p>It suggests there might be some doubt or fear among the soldiers, despite their outward obedience.</p> Signup and view all the answers

The repetition in 'Cannon to right of them,/Cannon to left of them,/Cannon in front of them' emphasizes the harsh military ______ surrounding the soldiers.

<p>machinery</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following phrases from the poem with their literary effect:

<p>'Into the valley of Death' = Foreshadowing and grand scale 'Theirs not to reason why' = Emphasis on obedience and duty Repetition of 'Cannon' = Highlights the overwhelming force Sibilance (e.g., 'Storm'd at with shot and shell') = Creates a sinister tone</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of using fricatives and sibilance in the phrase 'Storm'd at with shot and shell'?

<p>To emphasize the brutality of the situation. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the line 'Some one had blunder'd' suggest about the context of the Light Brigade's charge?

<p>There was a critical mistake in the orders or planning. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The poem suggests the soldiers blindly followed orders despite knowing a mistake had been made.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which literary device is prominently used to create a tense atmosphere from the beginning of 'The Charge of the Light Brigade'?

<p>Repetition (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The poem 'The Charge of the Light Brigade' concludes by questioning the honor and glory of the Light Brigade.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What phrase indicates the poem starts 'in medias res'?

<p>Half a league</p> Signup and view all the answers

The poem repeats the line 'All the world ______' to emphasize the impact of the Light Brigade's charge.

<p>wonder'd</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the line 'Not the six hundred' in relation to the Light Brigade?

<p>It emphasizes the reduced number of soldiers after the charge. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The poem suggests that the Light Brigade was charging a singular gun.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the phrases from 'The Charge of the Light Brigade' with their implied meanings:

<p>Jaws of Death = Represents the perilous situation and high mortality rate during the charge. Mouth of Hell = Symbolizes the intense and horrific conditions of battle. Shatter’d and sunder’d = The destructive impact of warfare on soldiers and enemy alike. Storm'd at with shot and shell = Intense artillery bombardment that the brigade faced.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of describing the environment surrounding the brigade with phrases such as 'Cannon to right of them, Cannon to left of them'?

<p>Encircling danger</p> Signup and view all the answers

What effect does Tennyson achieve by using dactylic dimeter in 'The Charge of the Light Brigade'?

<p>It mimics the rhythm of horses charging, suggesting the soldiers' relentless advance or blind obedience. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Tennyson uses precise and consistent rhyme schemes to emphasize order and control in 'The Charge of the Light Brigade'.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In 'The Charge of the Light Brigade,' what does the repetition of 'half a league' likely represent?

<p>The pounding rhythm of the charge and the pack mentality of the charging group. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does Tennyson's role as poet laureate influence the language used in 'The Charge of the Light Brigade'?

<p>Tennyson uses euphemisms to soften the harsh realities of battle.</p> Signup and view all the answers

The poem 'The Charge of the Light Brigade' uses the ______ poetic from often used to memorialize a story for future generations.

<p>ballad</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the impact of the anaphora used in 'theirs not to make reply/reason why... theirs but to do and die'?

<p>It highlights the soldiers' unquestioning obedience and lack of individualism. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the literary devices used in 'The Charge of the Light Brigade' with their effects:

<p>Repetition = Emphasizes key themes and reinforces ideas, such as obedience and the scale of the tragedy. Euphemisms = Softens the harsh realities of war, making the narrative more palatable for the audience. Dactylic Dimeter = Mimics the rhythm of horses charging, creating a sense of relentless forward motion.</p> Signup and view all the answers

In “Jaws of death”, what does the term "jaws" suggest about bullets?

<p>Soldiers will be 'eaten up' or shredded by bullets. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is suggested by the double meaning of 'charge' in the context of the poem?

<p>It refers both to the brigade's advance and Tennyson's accusation against the leaders for the deaths of the soldiers. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The phrase "valley of death" is used in Psalm 23 to symbolize a place of danger and fear.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the soldiers returning “from the mouth of hell” in relation to Jesus?

<p>Sacrificing their freedom</p> Signup and view all the answers

Tennyson uses ambiguity in the phrase "all the world ______" to make the reader question admiration or doubt.

<p>wondered</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary difference between 'Charge of the Light Brigade' and 'Bayonet Charge' regarding the portrayal of soldiers' bravery?

<p>'Charge of the Light Brigade' praises soldiers' obedience, while 'Bayonet Charge' challenges the perception of honor. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following phrases from “Charge of the Light Brigade” with their literary device:

<p>Jaws of Death = Metaphor Valley of Death = Biblical Allusion All the world wondered = Ambiguity Honour the charge they made! = Repetition</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the metaphor "Mouth of hell" suggest about the valley in “Charge of the Light Brigade”?

<p>Escape from the valley, once entered, is impossible. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Both 'Charge of the Light Brigade' and 'Bayonet Charge' explicitly praise the leaders of war.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes a key difference in the contexts of Tennyson's and Hughes' war poetry?

<p>Tennyson was poet laureate, potentially limiting his critical voice, while Hughes had more freedom. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Both Tennyson and Owen use repetition to highlight the futility and cost of war.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key difference between 'Remains' and 'The Charge of the Light Brigade' in terms of narrative perspective?

<p>'Remains' is a first-person account, whereas 'The Charge of the Light Brigade' is a narrative poem.</p> Signup and view all the answers

In contrast to Owen, Tennyson's poem contains lexis from the semantic field of ______, such as 'glory' and 'honour'.

<p>propaganda</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match each poem with the element of conflict they emphasize:

<p>The Charge of the Light Brigade = Rash action and military blunders Exposure = The suffering and abandonment of soldiers Remains = The psychological aftermath of conflict on soldiers</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does Owen convey a sense of abandonment in 'Exposure'?

<p>By depicting soldiers as isolated and 'worried by silence'. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Both 'Bayonet Charge' and 'The Charge of the Light Brigade' present war as a glorious and heroic endeavor.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a shared criticism between Tennyson and Owen of military leadership?

<p>They both criticize military leaders' decisions and the repetition of mistakes. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Light Brigade

The British cavalry unit charged into battle against Russian forces.

Ballad form

A narrative poem structure that commemorates stories for future generations.

Dactylic dimeter

A meter consisting of a long syllable followed by two short syllables, creating a rhythmic pattern.

Repetition

The use of repeated phrases to emphasize obedience and lack of individualism in soldiers.

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Euphemisms

Milder expressions used to replace harsh realities, softening the impact of death.

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Metaphors

Figures of speech that convey meanings beyond the literal interpretation, often with negative connotations.

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Rhyme scheme

The pattern of rhymes in a poem, which here is irregular with rhyming couplets.

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Anaphora

The repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of consecutive clauses to create emphasis.

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Reported Speech

A way of conveying what someone else has said, without quoting them directly.

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Rhetorical Question

A question asked for effect, not requiring an answer, implying something deeper.

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Foreshadowing

A literary device used to give hints about what is to come later in the story.

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Biblical Allusion

A reference to a story or character from the Bible, adding depth and context.

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Sibilance

A literary device where 's' or 'sh' sounds are repeated to create a hissing effect.

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Fractives

Sounds produced by forcing air through a narrow channel, like 'f', 'v', and 'th'.

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Sinister Tone

A dark, ominous feeling created through word choice and sound devices.

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Charge of the Light Brigade

A poem by Alfred Lord Tennyson about soldiers charging into battle and facing death.

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Tennyson's background

Tennyson had a troubled childhood but received a good education, later becoming Poet Laureate.

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Battle Context

The Charge of the Light Brigade took place during the Crimean War, a conflict involving Russia, Britain, and France.

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Blunder in orders

The Charge resulted from a mistaken order leading soldiers to an unnecessary attack.

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Repetition in the poem

Tennyson uses the phrase 'Half a league' repeatedly to emphasize the distance and danger.

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The Noble Six Hundred

A phrase used by Tennyson to honor and glorify the bravery of the soldiers who charged.

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Class of Light Brigade

The Light Brigade mainly consisted of lower-class soldiers who were lightly armored.

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Emphasis on exposure

The structure of the poem and its repeated lines create a sense of vulnerability for the soldiers.

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In medias res

A literary technique where a story begins in the middle of the action rather than at the start.

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Propaganda in literature

Literary work that influences public opinion or promotes a particular agenda, often glorifying certain actions.

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Imagery

Visually descriptive or figurative language used to represent objects, actions, or ideas in a way that appeals to the senses.

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Imperative language

Language that issues commands, requests, or instructions, often used to motivate the reader.

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Glorification of War

The idealization or romanticization of war, portraying it as noble and heroic despite its harsh realities.

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Jaws of Death

A metaphor implying soldiers will be 'eaten up' by bullets.

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Mouth of Hell

Metaphor suggesting no escape from a dangerous situation.

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Valley of Death

Biblical allusion indicating God's protection but used ironically in war.

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Ambiguity in Wondered

Creates doubt about whether admiration or skepticism is intended.

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Critique of Leaders

Both poems criticize the leaders for their role in war.

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Blind Obedience

Praise for soldiers following orders without question in 'Charge of the Light Brigade'.

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Questioning Honor

In 'Bayonet Charge', suggests honor in war is questionable.

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Propaganda Influence

Suggests that public attitudes towards war are shaped by propaganda.

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Bayonet Charge vs. The Charge of the Light Brigade

Bayonet Charge has a critical tone, unlike the glorifying tone in The Charge of the Light Brigade.

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Critical stance on military

Both Tennyson and Owen critique military leadership and decisions in their poems.

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Repetition in poetry

Repetitive phrases are used to emphasize themes of violence and military errors by both poets.

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First-person narrative

Remains uses a first-person perspective to convey personal experiences of war.

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Psychological impact of war

Remains focuses on the emotional trauma experienced by a soldier after conflict.

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Semantic field of propaganda

Tennyson's use of noble language to reflect the glorified perception of war.

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Contrast in waiting

Owen critiques inaction while Tennyson criticizes rash military actions.

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Study Notes

AQA English GCSE Poetry: Power and Conflict - Charge of the Light Brigade

  • Alfred, Lord Tennyson (1809-1892): Poet laureate during the Crimean War. His role obligated him to glorify war for the British public. His childhood was unhappy, experiencing poverty before becoming Poet Laureate.

  • Crimean War Context: Conflict between Russia and the Ottoman Empire, involving Britain and France. The war was unpopular with the British public, who viewed it as unnecessary. The Light Brigade, often composed of lower-class soldiers, were lightly armoured and on horseback.

  • Poem Summary: A large brigade of soldiers is ordered to march to their deaths in a dangerous valley. They bravely charge but few return.

  • Synopsis Points:

  • Light Brigade ordered to charge Russian guns.

  • Unable to dispute the order.

  • A mistake in the order ("blunder").

  • Soldiers surrounded by cannons and artillery.

  • Massive battle - bayonets versus guns.

  • Heavy casualties; many soldiers killed.

  • Soldiers surrounded again while retreating.

  • Tennyson instructs the reader to remember, honour, and glorify the "noble six hundred".

  • Contextual Summary: The poem conveys the traditional idea of patriotism and honour from the perspective of the poet laureate. The poet laureate had the duty of presenting a moderate view.

  • Structure:

  • Uses enjambment and caesura to mirror the chaos of war.

  • Metaphors and euphemisms are used to avoid directly depicting the brutality of battle.

  • The poem begins in media res (middle of the action) adding to the tense atmosphere.

  • Key Language Techniques:

  • Repetition ("Half a league, half a league,"; "Rode the six hundred") to emphasise the scale of the action and the number of lives lost.

  • Rhetorical questions ("Was there a man dismay'd?") implying doubt and uncertainty among the soldiers.

  • Biblical allusions (references to Psalm 23, hell, and the harrying of hell) to give the poem a larger, more complex meaning.

  • Vivid imagery (e.g., "Into the jaws of Death, / Into the mouth of Hell") to convey the brutality of the battle.

  • Euphemisms ("horse and hero fell") to soften the impact of death.

  • Sibilance to create a sense of dread.

  • Poem's Tone: Initially tense, but gradually transforms into one of remembrance and glorification of the fallen soldiers. It is a complex structure that includes elements of propaganda related to duty.

  • Poem's Purpose: To commemorate and honour the soldiers of the Light Brigade.

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AQA English GCSE Past Paper - Charge of the Light Brigade PDF

Description

Test your knowledge on Tennyson's 'The Charge of the Light Brigade'. Explore themes, historical context, and literary devices. Understand the poem's significance in glorifying soldiers and capturing the Crimean War era.

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