“The Charge of the Light Brigade” by Alfred, Lord Tennyson

I

1. Half a league, half a league,
2. Half a league onward,
3. All in the valley of Death
4. Rode the six hundred.
5. “Forward, the Light Brigade!
6. Charge for the guns!” he said.
7. Into the valley of Death
8. Rode the six hundred.

II

• “Forward, the Light Brigade!”
• Was there a man dismayed?
• Not though the soldier knew
• Someone had blundered.
• Theirs not to make reply,
• Theirs not to reason why,
• Theirs but to do and die.
• Into the valley of Death
• Rode the six hundred.

III

1. Cannon to right of them,
2. Cannon to left of them,
3. Cannon in front of them
4. Volleyed and thundered;
5. Stormed at with shot and shell,
6. Boldly they rode and well,
7. Into the jaws of Death,
8. Into the mouth of hell
9. Rode the six hundred.

IV

• Flashed all their sabres bare,
• Flashed as they turned in air
• Sabring the gunners there,
• Charging an army, while
• All the world wondered.
• Plunged in the battery-smoke
• Right through the line they broke;
• Cossack and Russian
• Reeled from the sabre stroke
• Shattered and sundered.
• Then they rode back, but not
• Not the six hundred.

V

• Cannon to right of them,
• Cannon to left of them,
• Cannon behind them
• Volleyed and thundered;
• Stormed at with shot and shell,
• While horse and hero fell.
• They that had fought so well
• Came through the jaws of Death,
• Back from the mouth of hell,
• All that was left of them,
• Left of six hundred.

VI

• When can their glory fade?
• the wild charge they made!
• All the world wondered.
• Honour the charge they made!
• Honour the Light Brigade,
• Noble six hundred!

Introduction:

Composed by Lord Alfred Tennyson, “The Charge of the Light Brigade” first appeared in 1854. It quickly won a huge popularity in Britain on account of the heroism of the British soldiers that it displays. Tennyson’s use of various literary and poetic devices such as repetition, living images, and rhythmic metrical patterns has created a living scene of the Crimean War and the sacrificial campaign of the British soldiers. The poem’s popularity led to its inclusion in several anthologies and school textbooks. Despite having jingoistic undertones, the poem is considered a masterpiece in English literature and is a subject of rigorous critiques across the globe.

Annotations of “The Charge of the Light Brigade” by Alfred, Lord Tennyson

Phrase/Verse	Annotation
I.1-4 “Half a league, half a league, Half a league onward, All in the valley of Death Rode the six hundred.”	The distance the soldiers had to travel is emphasized by the repetition of “half a league.” The phrase “valley of Death” sets the tone for the poem and creates a sense of danger.
I.5 “Forward, the Light Brigade! Charge for the guns!” he said.	The commander orders the soldiers to charge toward the enemy artillery.
II.11 “Not though the soldier knew Someone had blundered.”	The soldiers were aware that the command to charge was a mistake, but they had no choice but to follow orders.
II.13-15 “Theirs not to make reply, Theirs not to reason why, Theirs but to do and die.”	The soldiers had no choice but to follow orders and fight, even if it meant risking their lives.
III.18-20 “Cannon to right of them, Cannon to left of them, Cannon in front of them”	Emphasizes the dangerous position the soldiers were in and the likelihood of their death.
III.25 “Into the mouth of hell Rode the six hundred.”	The soldiers were charging into a place of great danger, represented by the “mouth of hell.”
IV.27-31 “Flashed all their sabres bare, Flashed as they turned in air Sabring the gunners there, Charging an army, while All the world wondered.”	The bravery and courage of the soldiers as they charge toward the enemy is apparent even though it may seem foolish to outsiders.
V.43 “Stormed at with shot and shell, While horse and hero fell.”	The soldiers were under heavy fire and suffered many casualties, including their horses.
VI.50-55 “When can their glory fade? The wild charge they made! All the world wondered. Honour the charge they made! Honour the Light Brigade, Noble six hundred!”	The poem concludes with a call to honor the soldiers and their bravery even in the face of death.

Literary Devices in “The Charge of the Light Brigade” by Alfred, Lord Tennyson

Literary Device	Reference	Explanation	Function
Anaphora	“Cannon to right of them, / Cannon to left of them, / Cannon in front of them” (lines 18-20)	The repetition of the word “cannon” at the beginning of these lines creates a sense of overwhelming force and danger. The anaphora also helps to create a sense of rhythm and flow in the poem. Some others are “Theirs not to…” and “Flasehed.”	It creates a sense of overwhelming force and danger, as well as rhythm and flow.
Imagery	“Cannon to right of them, / Cannon to left of them, / Cannon in front of them” (lines 18-20)	These images show the scene and setting of the soldiers that they are surrounded by cannons from all sides.	These images create a sense of impending death around the soldiers.
Metaphor	“Jaws of Death” (line 24)	The comparison of death to a pair of jaws creates a sense of danger and threat. The metaphor also helps to create a sense of personification, as it gives death human qualities.	It creates a sense of danger and threat, as well as personification.
Metonymy	“The world wondered” (line 31)	The use of “the world” to refer to the people who witnessed the charge creates a sense of awe and amazement. The metonymy also helps to create a sense of universality, as it suggests that the charge was witnessed by people all over the world.	It here creates a sense of awe and amazement, as well as universality.
Onomatopoeia	“Volleyed and thundered” (line 21)	The use of words that sound like the noises they represent creates a sense of realism and immediacy. The onomatopoeia also helps to create a sense of chaos and violence.	Here, it creates a sense of realism and immediacy, as well as chaos and violence.
Personification	“The jaws of Death” (line 24) and “The mouth of hell” (line 25)	The giving of human qualities to inanimate objects creates a sense of danger and threat. The personification also helps to create a sense of vivid imagery, as it makes the reader imagine the jaws of Death and the mouth of hell as if they were real.	Here they are creating a sense of danger and threat, as well as vivid imagery.
Repetition/Refrain	“Rode the six hundred” (lines 4, 8, 17, and 49)	The repetition of this phrase creates a sense of urgency and importance. The repetition also helps to create a sense of rhythm and flow in the poem. It is also a refrain as it occurs at the end of first three stanzas.	These devices create a sense of urgency and importance, as well as rhythm and flow
Simile	“Like the thunderbolts they fell” (line 37)	The comparison of the soldiers to thunderbolts creates a sense of power and destruction. The simile also helps to create a sense of vivid imagery, as it makes the reader imagine the soldiers falling like thunderbolts.	Here it creates a sense of power and destruction, as well as vivid imagery
Symbolism	The valley of Death	The valley of Death represents the dangers and hardships of war. The symbolism helps to create a sense of pathos and tragedy, as it suggests that the soldiers are entering a place of death and destruction.	Here the symbols represent the dangers and hardships of war, as well as pathos and tragedy
Synecdoche	“The guns” (line 6) and “the charge” (line 53)	The use of a part to represent the whole creates a sense of urgency and importance. The synecdoche also helps to create a sense of vivid imagery, as it makes the reader imagine the guns and the charge as if they were real.	It creates a sense of urgency and importance, as well as vivid imagery

Sound and Poetic Devices in “The Charge of the Light Brigade” by Alfred, Lord Tennyson

Literary Device	Examples/Reference	Definition/Explanation	Function
Alliteration	All the world wondered (line 31)	The repetition of initial consonant sounds “w” in neighboring words or syllables in this line is an alliteration.	Here it enhances the rhythm and musicality of the verse. Creates emphasis and draws attention to specific words or phrases.
Assonance	Cannon to right of them, Cannon to left of them	The repetition of vowel sounds in neighboring words or syllables such as “o” here.	Here it creates a melodic and rhythmic effect. Adds musicality and enhances the flow of the verse.
Consonance	Flash and turned, sabring and wondering	The repetition of consonant sounds in neighboring words or syllables such as “n” and “ing” sounds.	This device adds a sense of harmony and musicality. Enhances the auditory experience and creates a pleasing rhythm.
End Rhyme	Blundered/thundered, them/hem, well/hell	The rhyming of words at the end of lines in a poem as given.	This device creates a sense of closure and structure. It also adds musicality and enhances the overall flow of the verse.
Verse Type	Iambic tetrameter	The metrical structure of a line of poetry, determined by the number and arrangement of syllables.	Her it establishes a consistent rhythm and meter. It also adds musicality and enhances the flow of the verse.
Stanza Type	Irregular type of stanzas	Here each stanza has a different number of verses such as the first has eight and the second has nine.	Here the stanza provides a structural unit within the poem. It also creates breaks and transitions between ideas or sections.
Poem Type	Narrative poem	It is the poem that tells a story or recounts events as this one in the shape of a ballad.	Here it presents a sequence of events or a narrative arc of the soldiers. It engages the reader through plot and characters.
Diction	Valley of Death, guns, sabres, thundered	It is the choice and use of words and phrases in a poem.	It sets the tone and creates a specific atmosphere. It further conveys the theme and meaning of the poem.
Tone	Brave, heroic, somber	It is the attitude or emotional disposition of the speaker or writer in a poem.	It evokes specific emotions in the reader and sets the overall mood and atmosphere of the poem.

Functions of Literary Devices in “The Charge of the Light Brigade” by Alfred, Lord Tennyson

1. Creating Imagery: One of the primary functions of literary devices in “The Charge of the Light Brigade” is to create vivid images to help the readers to visualize the main event. This main event is the blind attack of the little brigade of soldiers of the British royal army. For example, in the opening stanza, the repetition of “half a league” creates a sense of rhythm and movement, which, when combined with the image of the soldiers riding “onward” into “the valley of Death,” creates a powerful image of a charging battalion in a battle. Similarly, the use of personification in the line “Into the jaws of Death, / Into the mouth of Hell / Rode the six hundred” helps the readers to imagine the soldiers riding fearlessly into a dangerous and terrifying situation.
2. Establishing Mood: Another function of literary devices in this poem is to establish a specific mood or tone. Tennyson uses different repetitions and other literary devices to create this sense of urgency and impending doom. For example, the repetition of “Forward, the Light Brigade!” in stanzas I and II shows the momentum and drive that propels the soldiers forward. Further job has been done by  exclamatory sentences, such as “Charge for the guns!” and “All the world wondered.” They help the reader to feel the emotional impact of the poem, creating in their mind a sense of drama.
3. Developing Theme: Literary devices in “The Charge of the Light Brigade” also help to develop the poem’s theme of duty and sacrifice. Tennyson repeatedly emphasizes the idea that the soldiers had a duty to obey orders and fight regardless of the danger or the cost. For example, the lines “Theirs not to make reply, / Theirs not to reason why, / Theirs but to do and die” emphasizes the soldiers’ duty to follow orders without question. Similarly, the use of repetition in stanzas IV and V, in which the soldiers are riding “into the jaws of Death” and “back from the mouth of Hell” highlight the thematic strands of sacrifice and national duty.
4. Creating a Sense of National Pride: Literary devices in “The Charge of the Light Brigade” also helps to create a sense of national pride and honor. Tennyson’s use of repetitions and exclamations. The repetition of “Honour the charge they made!” and the exclamation “Noble six hundred!” in the final stanza, shows the poet’s reverence and respect for the soldiers’ bravery and sacrifice. Tennyson’s choice of words, too, emphasizes the idea that the soldiers were heroes worthy of honor for their service to their country.

Themes in “The Charge of the Light Brigade” by Alfred, Lord Tennyson

1. Horrors of War: “The Charge of the Light Brigade” shows the major theme of brutality and futility of war through its lyrical format. It highlights the senselessness of war, and how soldiers often enter a battle without fully understanding the nature of the conflict they fight. For example, stanza II shows the soldiers depicted as powerless to question the decisions of their superiors regardless of the risk to their lives: This stanza shows that “Theirs not to make reply, / Theirs not to reason why, / Theirs but to do and die”. The poem also portrays the violence and chaos of battle, with lines such as “Into the jaws of Death, / Into the mouth of hell / Rode the six hundred” (stanza III) and “While horse and hero fell” (stanza V).
2. Bravery and Heroism: Another major theme in the poem is the idea of bravery and heroism in the face of extreme danger. The soldiers seem quite noble and courageous figures, willing to put their lives in the line of duty for the sake of the country. The poem celebrates the bravery of the soldiers in the face of certain death as seen in these lines show “Boldly they rode and well” (stanza III) and “Came through the jaws of Death” (stanza V). The soldiers are presented as heroes worthy to be honored for their blind love and blind following of the call of duty.
3. Patriotism and Loyalty: The poem celebrates the idea of patriotism and loyalty to one’s country. Tennyson shows the depiction of soldiers willing to die for their country without showing any hesitation. The poem portrays this sacrifice as a noble gesture. Through this gesture,the poet encourages the readers to honor and respect those who fight and die for their nations. It gets clear in the lines such as “Charge for the guns!” (stanza I) and “Honour the Light Brigade, / Noble six hundred!” (stanza VI).
4. Power of Memory: “The Charge of the Light Brigade” also explores the power of memory and the importance of preserving them through stories. These stories are of those who have died in the line of duty. Therefore, this poem is a tribute to the soldiers who fought and died in the Crimean War. Hence, it, too, seeks to preserve their memory and honor their sacrifice. These lines “All the world wondered. / Honour the charge they made!” (stanza VI) and “When can their glory fade?” (stanza VI) shows this thematic strand of the poem.

Literary Theories and Interpretations of “The Charge of the Light Brigade” by Alfred, Lord Tennyson

1. New Criticism: This literary theory seeks to find meanings through the analysis of the literary devices. It could be applied to “The Charge of the Light Brigade” to analyze the use of literary devices Tennyson employs. For example, the repetitions of phrases such as “into the valley of Death,” “rode the six hundred,” and “Cannon to right of them, / Cannon to left of them” reate a sense of rhythm and emphasize the bravery of the soldiers. Alliteration, such as “boldly they rode and well,” highlights the courage and determination of the Light Brigade. Side by side, the clear images such as “mouth of hell,” creates a powerful scene of the battle.  Tennyson conveys the themes of heroism and sacrifice without relying on external contexts.
2. Postcolonial Theory. This literary theory seeks to find power relations, their working, their appearnce in the discourse and literature regarding colonizers and colonized. It could be be applied to analyze the representation of war and the military in “The Charge of the Light Brigade.” The poem shows the context of British imperialism and the Crimean War in which Britain and its allies fought against the Russian Empire. The poem presents war as a noble and heroic endeavor. This could be a reflection of the glorification of British imperialism during the 19th century. The poem also represents the soldiers as obedient and dutiful despite the fact that they were being sent to fight a war that may not have been in their best interests.
3. Reader-Response Theory: This literary theory focuses on the readers for meanings. In other words, it is a readers-centered theoretical perspective.It could be applied to analyze how readers interpret and respond to “The Charge of the Light Brigade.” The poem’s use of repetition and vivid imagery evokes an emotional response from the readers and influences their interpretation of the poem’s themes. For example, the repeated phrase “into the valley of Death” creates a sense of foreboding and highlights the danger the soldiers face. The use of imagery such as “jaws of Death” and “mouth of hell” creates a vivid and powerful image in the reader’s mind, emphasizing the sacrifice and bravery of the soldiers.
4. Marxist Theory: This literary theory seeks to find the presentation of the social and economic issues and their impacts on different communities with reflation to economic impacts. It couldbe applied to analyze the power dynamics present in “The Charge of the Light Brigade.” The poem represents the exploitation of working-class soldiers and the glorification of war by the ruling class. The repeated refrain of “theirs not to reason why, / Theirs but to do and die” highlights the powerlessness of the working-class soldiers who are forced to obey the commands of their superiors. The poem also represents war as a noble and heroic endeavor, which can be seen as a reflection of the ruling class’s desire to maintain their power and status. Through these representations, Tennyson critiques the power dynamics present in society and the exploitation of the working class.

Essay Topics, Questions, and Thesis Statements about “The Charge of the Light Brigade” by Alfred, Lord Tennyson

1. Topic: Heroism and Sacrifice in “The Charge of the Light Brigade”

Question: How does Tennyson portray heroism and sacrifice in “The Charge of the Light Brigade,” and what literary devices does he use to convey these themes?

Thesis Statement: In “The Charge of the Light Brigade,” Tennyson portrays heroism and sacrifice as the central values of military service, using vivid imagery, repetition, and alliteration to evoke a sense of bravery and selflessness in the face of death.

• Topic: War in “The Charge of the Light Brigade”

Question: How does Tennyson represent war and military service in “The Charge of the Light Brigade,” and what larger historical and political context does this representation reflect?

Thesis Statement: Through its depiction of the Crimean War and the British military’s involvement in it, “The Charge of the Light Brigade” reflects the political and social context of Victorian imperialism, while also highlighting the human cost of war and the toll it takes on soldiers and civilians alike.

• Topic: Power Dynamics of Social Class in “The Charge of the Light Brigade”

Question: How does Tennyson represent the power dynamics of social class in “The Charge of the Light Brigade,” and what commentary does the poem offer on the exploitation of working-class soldiers by the ruling class?

Thesis Statement: Through its use of repetition and metaphor, “The Charge of the Light Brigade” critiques the power dynamics of social class in Victorian Britain, portraying working-class soldiers as powerless in the face of their superiors’ commands and highlighting the disconnect between the sacrifices made by soldiers on the battlefield and the distant, often callous attitudes of their leaders.

• Topic: Emotional Response of Readers to “The Charge of the Light Brigade”

Question: How does Tennyson use literary devices to evoke an emotional response from the reader in “The Charge of the Light Brigade,” and what effect does this have on the reader’s interpretation of the poem’s themes?

Thesis Statement: Through its use of vivid imagery, repetition, and alliteration, “The Charge of the Light Brigade” creates a sense of urgency and emotional intensity that draws the reader into the experience of the soldiers on the battlefield, evoking a strong sense of empathy and admiration for their bravery and selflessness in the face of danger.

Short Questions-Answers about “The Charge of the Light Brigade” by Alfred, Lord Tennyson

1. What is the Charge of the Light Brigade, and what was its outcome?

“The Charge of the Light Brigade” is a poem that presents an actual event of a campaign. This military campaign was a disastrous military strategy undertaken during the Crimean War in which a British cavalry brigade got orders to charge against heavily fortified Russian artillery positions. It resulted in a high number of casualties with several soldiers killed or wounded. “The Charge of the Light Brigade,” therefore, commemorates the bravery and sacrifice of those soldiers who laid their lives in that battle. The poem’s images and use of sound devices such as assonance and consonance create a sense of doom, danger, and impending death to highlight the soldiers’ courage and valor in the face of heavy bombardment.

2. How does Tennyson use repetition in “The Charge of the Light Brigade”?

Tennyson uses repetition to emphasize the danger and urgency of the soldiers’ charge, as well as to underscore the sense of duty and sacrifice. Exactly like the disciplining phrases repeated to train the soldiers, Tennyson uses repetitions to show their sacrifices. The repeated refrain “Rode the six hundred” serves as a reminder of the soldiers’ bravery and heroism, while highlighting the tragedy and loss of life. The use of repetition also creates a sense of unity and shared sacrifice among the soldiers, emphasizing their collective identity as a cavalry brigade disregard of the dangers to their lives.

• How does “The Charge of the Light Brigade” reflect Victorian attitudes towards war and nationalism?

Tennyson’s poem “The Charge of the Light Brigade” focuses on the nationalist fervor and sense of duty characterizing the Victorian attitude toward war and military service. The poem highlights the bravery and sacrifice of the soldiers. However, in hindsight, it seems critiquing the senselessness and tragedy of war. The emphasis on duty and sacrifice also reflects the idea of the “noble soldier” and the romanticization of military service that was prevalent during the Victorian era. The poem’s patriotic and heroic themes also reinforce the idea of British imperial power and the need for military strength in defense of the empire.