a poem narrating a story for future generations to hear

to preserve the memory of, honour or commemorate

when a mild word or expression is used as a substitute for a harsh one

the action of describing something as admirable, especially unjustifiably

Understanding the poem 'Charge of the Light Brigade'

English

In 'Edexcel Conflict Poetry', pupils compared the language, form and structure of a variety of poems connected by the themes of power and conflict. In 'Edexcel Conflict Poetry continued', pupils work on making more nuanced comparisons between poems.

In 'A World at War: Poetry', pupils explore how poets present the atrocities of World War One through their poetry. In 'Edexcel Conflict Poetry', pupils analyse how a variety of different wars have been presented through poetry.

Poetry anthology: first study

Subjects which particular individuals may be sensitive to, eg, adoption, migration, bereavement or death, divorce.

Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

Depiction of war, threats of war, death or the aftermath of war.

Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering

ballad to commemorate the bravery of the British cavalry

dramatic monologue to show the perspective of the cavalry men

What form is 'The Charge of the Light Brigade' and why might Tennyson have chosen this form?

Which battle does the poem 'The Charge of the Light Brigade' reflect on?

The British cavalry charge to one of their greatest victories in history.

The British cavalry manage to defeat the vast Russian army.

The ill-equipped British cavalry charge towards heavy fire from the enemy.

The British cavalry charge towards great danger due to a military blunder.

Which sentence(s) accurately summarise the events of 'The Charge of the Light Brigade'?

reveals the blunder of the commanding officers

What does the last stanza of 'The Charge of the Light Brigade' do?

“Forward, the Light Brigade! Charge for the guns!”

''Theirs not to make reply, Theirs not to reason why''

''Cannon to right of them, Cannon to left of them''

''Honour the charge they made! Honour the Light Brigade''

Which line from 'The Charge of the Light Brigade' portrays the glorification of the bravery of the British cavalry?

This role gave him the freedom to report on military feats in any manner

This role gave him a duty to reflect the country favourably

This role gave him power to expose those in authority positions.

How may Tennyson’s role as Poet Laureate have affected the way he portrays the battle in 'The Charge of the Light Brigade'?

What is the meaning of ‘charge’ in this sentence: "The bull lowered its horns and charged."

 describing someone's duty or obligations

a first person narrative where we only hear one perspective

to live in a country different to the one you were born in

being indifferent to the affairs of your country

imagery, semantic field, rhetorical question

Match the poetic technique to the division they fall under

Content guidance

Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering

Adult supervision recommended

Starter Quiz