Victorian Poetry: Tennyson's Charge of the Light Brigade

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Questions and Answers

What event significantly influenced the writing of the poem?

  • The Crimean War (correct)
  • The Battle of Waterloo
  • The Franco-Prussian War
  • The Spanish-American War

What was the main goal of the British forces in the Crimean War?

  • To secure an alliance with France
  • To capture Sebastopol (correct)
  • To protect trade routes to India
  • To defend British colonies

What was one consequence of the charge by the Light Brigade?

  • High casualties among British soldiers (correct)
  • Achievement of a crucial military victory
  • Strengthened public support for war
  • Increase in military funding

How did public sentiment change after the charge of the Light Brigade?

<p>Public attention focused on the tragedy of war. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What specific mistake led to the tragic charge of the Light Brigade?

<p>Confusion in orders (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the context of the poem, what sentiment were people expecting from Tennyson?

<p>Poems focusing on heroism and patriotism (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the initial public perception of war before the incident?

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

How many horses were lost during the charge of the Light Brigade?

<p>475 (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What literary device is predominantly used by the poet to create a majestic atmosphere?

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

What does the phrase 'the valley of Death' allude to in the poem?

<p>A biblical context (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of a light brigade in military terms?

<p>To overwhelm smaller forces (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does Tennyson portray the soldiers' response to their orders despite the mistakes of their commanding officer?

<p>As brave and loyal (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What overarching theme is reflected in the poem regarding military discipline?

<p>Blind obedience to authority (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the context of the poem, what does 'blunder' refer to?

<p>A mistake caused by carelessness (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What criticism did some people have about 'The Charge of the Light Brigade'?

<p>It represented the ruling class’s influence. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What sentiment does Tennyson convey regarding the cost of life in the Battle of Balaclava?

<p>It was unnecessary and tragic (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which group primarily criticized the poem?

<p>Socialist groups. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How is Tennyson's view of the Light Brigade characterized in the poem?

<p>Admiring of their bravery (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What effect did Tennyson's oral performance have on the poem?

<p>It enhanced its psychological effects. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did the poem affect the morale of British soldiers according to the content?

<p>It inspired hope and courage. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What legendary effect of the poem is mentioned in the content?

<p>It inspired instant recovery from illness. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement regarding the poem's historical accuracy is presented?

<p>Criticism has been raised about its historical reliability. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of the poem is emphasized as integral to its meaning and effect?

<p>The rhythm of its lines. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What element of the poem touched the patriotic feelings in its audience?

<p>Tennyson's oral delivery. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What primary methods were used to analyze the war zone in Balaclava?

<p>Excavation, electronic detectors, and satellite vision (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What significant finding surprised the researchers regarding the Battle of Balaclava?

<p>Many artifacts belonged to Ottoman soldiers. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How many Turkish soldiers are reported to have died during the battle?

<p>600 (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What misconception did British historians hold regarding the casualties at the Battle of Balaclava?

<p>They blamed the Turkish forces for their inability. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was Tennyson's intent behind writing 'The Charge of the Light Brigade'?

<p>To celebrate British soldiers and promote patriotism. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What ideological stance did Tennyson embrace in his writing?

<p>Victorian ideas, ideals, and ideology. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Bardakçı suggest about the historical information Tennyson based his poem on?

<p>It requires further research and analysis. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which event does Tennyson's 'The Charge of the Light Brigade' relate to?

<p>The Battle of Balaclava. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was Tennyson's stance toward soldiers in his poetry?

<p>He idealized them as symbols of duty. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What physical condition prevented Tennyson from serving in the military?

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

What did Tennyson refer to 'The Charge of the Light Brigade' as?

<p>A piece of newspaper verse (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did Tennyson's physical strength contrast with his ability to serve?

<p>He was strong but had vision problems. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What motivated Tennyson to write 'The Charge of the Light Brigade'?

<p>News of the charge in the London Times (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect of society did Tennyson feel was in decline?

<p>Chivalry and the heroic spirit (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What social group did Tennyson feel a sense of obligation to support?

<p>The Anglican Church and middle class (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the estimated distance of 'half a league' mentioned in the poem?

<p>Approximately two kilometers and a half (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Newspaper verse

A term used to describe poetry written in response to a recent news event.

Tennyson's yearning for chivalry

Tennyson's desire to embody the ideals of heroism, duty, and courage, particularly evident in his poem 'The Charge of the Light Brigade'.

Expectations of the Poet Laureate

The role expected of the Poet Laureate, requiring support for the Anglican Church and middle class during the Victorian era.

Tennyson's idealization of soldiers

Tennyson's admiration for soldiers, seeing them as exemplars of action, duty, courage, and manliness.

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Tennyson's physical limitation

Tennyson's inability to join the military due to severe myopia, potentially contributing to his fascination with heroic actions.

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Half a league onward

The distance covered by the Light Brigade in 'The Charge of the Light Brigade', approximately two and a half kilometers.

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The valley of Death

The symbolic valley in 'The Charge of the Light Brigade', representing a perilous and potentially fatal situation.

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Charge for the guns!

The commanding officer's call to action in 'The Charge of the Light Brigade', urging the Light Brigade forward into battle.

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Voice and Impact

A poem's strong and impactful voice can deeply affect an audience, especially when delivered orally.

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Rhythm and Patriotism

The rhythm and flow of "The Charge of the Light Brigade" can evoke patriotic feelings in listeners.

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Effects of the Poem

The poem gave British soldiers and civilians hope, courage, and a sense of motivation during wartime.

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The Power of Emotion

A story about a sick soldier regaining health after hearing the poem highlights the poem's powerful emotional influence, even if exaggerated.

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Critiques of the Poem

Some criticize the poem for encouraging young men to go to war, potentially leading to their deaths.

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Appreciation for the Poem

Younger, more conservative individuals saw the poem as a tribute to bravery, honor, and military discipline.

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Historical Accuracy

The poem's portrayal of the Battle of Balaclava may be based on inaccurate historical facts.

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Battlefield Detectives

Experts in war history, weapons, archaeology, and other fields have investigated historical events, including the Battle of Balaclava.

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What is a blunder?

A careless mistake or error caused by overlooking important details.

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What is a Light Brigade?

A unit of cavalry (soldiers on horseback) that are lightly armed and armored, often used for quick attacks or finishing enemy forces.

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What does "The Valley of Death" refer to?

A religious passage in the Bible that speaks of defying fear even when facing death, providing comfort and support.

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What is "The Charge of the Light Brigade" ?

The poem 'The Charge of the Light Brigade' by Tennyson, about a cavalry unit that faced heavy artillery in the Battle of Balaclava, resulting in many casualties.

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How does Tennyson portray the soldiers' obedience?

Tennyson's poem highlights the idea that even when a commanding officer makes a mistake, soldiers are expected to maintain silence and obedience, valuing discipline and loyalty.

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What does Tennyson admire in the Light Brigade?

The poem emphasizes the soldiers' bravery in the face of adversity, despite being ordered into a hopeless battle. This is seen as a patriotic act.

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What is the reaction to "The Charge of the Light Brigade"?

The poem 'The Charge of the Light Brigade' received various reactions and interpretations upon its publication.

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Crimean War

The Crimean War (1853-1855) was a conflict where Britain, along with allies, fought against Russia. The main objective was to capture Sebastopol, a key port city on the Black Sea.

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Battle of Balaclava

The Battle of Balaclava was a disastrous event during the Crimean War where British soldiers were sent into a reckless charge, resulting in heavy casualties. This happened due to a misunderstanding of orders and the decision to attack Russian artillery on higher ground.

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Light Brigade

The Light Brigade was a British military unit that was mistakenly ordered to charge into Russian artillery at the Battle of Balaclava. This resulted in heavy losses for the British forces within a short period, changing people's views on war.

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The Charge of the Light Brigade

The British soldiers were sent charging at Russian artillery in the Battle of Balaclava. This attack resulted in heavy casualties, and the soldiers were poorly led.

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Impact of the Charge of the Light Brigade on Public Opinion

The Battle of Balaclava significantly altered people's perceptions of war. It exposed the senselessness and tragic cost of warfare, leading to a growing anti-war movement and a shift in public opinion about the purpose of military action.

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Symbolism of Balaclava

The Battle of Balaclava became a symbol of the tragic consequences of war, highlighting the importance of planning and avoiding unnecessary casualties.

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Tennyson's "The Charge of the Light Brigade"

Tennyson's poem "The Charge of the Light Brigade" likely reflected the public's anti-war sentiment and grief following the Battle of Balaclava, prompting reflection on the unnecessary sacrifices made in war.

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Public's Expectations of Tennyson

People expected Tennyson to write poems that celebrated patriotism and military heroism, but instead, the poem highlighted the tragic futility of war, a change in public opinion after the Crimean War.

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Battlefield Archeology

A form of historical research that uses excavation, electronic detectors, and satellite imagery to uncover and analyze physical evidence from past events.

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Victorian Literature

An early 19th Century literary movement that emphasized national pride, traditional values, and the importance of duty and heroism.

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Historical Validation

The process of using historical records and evidence to verify the accuracy of a narrative or account.

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Poet Laureate

A writer who holds a formal position of authority in a country, often appointed to produce ceremonial or patriotic works.

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War Propaganda

The deliberate use of persuasive messages to influence public opinion and support war efforts.

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Cultural Influence

The impact of a work of art or writing on public opinion, shaping public attitudes and influencing their behavior.

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Study Notes

Introduction to Victorian Poetry: Alfred, Lord Tennyson

  • Tennyson lived from 1809 to 1892
  • His poem "The Charge of the Light Brigade" was written in response to the Crimean War (1853-1855)
  • The war involved Britain and allies fighting Russia for control of Sebastopol

The Story Behind the Poem

  • The poem details the disastrous charge of the Light Brigade on October 25, 1854, during the Battle of Balaclava.
  • The Light Brigade, a cavalry unit, was sent to charge directly into Russian artillery, leading to many casualties (260 British soldiers killed, injured, or captured and 475 horses).
  • The charge was a response to a misunderstanding in orders.
  • The incident created a wave of public anger and an anti-war sentiment.
  • This negative reaction to the war impacted Tennyson's view of the war.

The Charge of the Light Brigade

  • This poem was written reflecting the incident within weeks of the event
  • It's a short epic poem detailing the charge
  • "Half a league, half a league/ Half a league onward..."
  • The poem uses powerful imagery and rhythm to create a sense of the battlefield, the heroism of the soldiers and the tragic consequences of the charge.
  • It uses religious imagery ("Valley of Death") and addresses the themes of patriotism, heroism, and the cost of war.

Analysis of the Poem

  • The poem is about a military blunder and its effect on the soldiers.
  • Tennyson’s poem focuses on the soldiers, their courage in obeying orders and their sacrifice even when those orders proved disastrous.
  • There is debate amongst some scholars as to the accuracy of the historical account depicted in the poem
  • The poem has been used as an example of how poems can have historical implications.

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