Bayonet Charge VS Charge of the Light Brigade’

Structural Analysis ‘The Charge of the Light Brigade’ uses six verse, each one representing the hundred of men who died. The poem is a ballad; essentially it is a poem which tells us a story. A sense of morality through using music, ensuring that it is something which the readers will never forget. The poem is thought to be written in dactylic diameter (stress syllables). The poets’ main intention is to highlight to the audience that soldiers’ bravery and heroism. The sound mirrors horses galloping, feeling as if we are in conflict with the soldiers as well. It is commonly used in comedies but it may be used here in this instance because it gives a satirical edge to the poem.

Language In ‘Charge of the Light Brigade’, Tennyson presents war as a heroic act, ‘Flashed all their sabres bare, flashed as they burned’ as the sunshine reflects onto the swords, the soldiers used in battle. It could be argued that this it is a metaphor for glory, they showed onto the battle. The ‘flash’ creates a beaming light/sparkle/light has several positive connotations associated with it. It suggests a sense of positivity and pride which they demonstrated, they are taking ownership of their duty. The poet has deliberately repeated this adjective, ‘flash’ to reveals the immensity of the pride that the soldiers had in battle. Also, the writer implicitly tells that the soldiers were honourable in battle, ‘while horse and hero fell, they had fought so well.’ The poet is glorifying the soldiers possibly implying that they symbolise war. Once again, the soldiers recognises that they were outnumbered by the opposing force, they still followed orders from the authority regardless. The poem ends on the line, ‘Honour the charge they made, honour the Light Brigade,’ finishing with the line, ‘Noble six hundred’ Tennyson deliberately employs the adjectives such as ‘Honour’ to emphasise to the reader of the enormity of respect and admiration they deserve for engaging in battle. The phrase, ‘six hundred’ is constantly repeated throughout the course of the poem. Although it highlights the small number of men, he is still implying they should all be held in high esteem for their acts of courage. There are biblical references used by the writer for example, ‘the Valley of Death’ from Pslam 23. This shows that the soldiers were making a dangerous, choice putting their life at risk.

Themes & Context ‘The Charge of the Light Brigade,’ was written in 1855 about the Crimean War. It was war against Russia. Russia planned to take over Romania. Well known mistakes caused anger and frustration. The mission was thought to be a tragedy and a complete and utter failure. The authority and leadership was highly questionable. Criticism towards the blind obedience to people who were in power. Victorian society was all about the social hierarchy (Like in ‘Great Expectations’); those who were in power were not be questioned. The poem was attempting to make something positive about the soldiers’ death, glorifying their honourable acts and praising their determination.