Understanding the poem 'Charge of the Light Brigade'
I can explain the events of ‘Charge of the Light Brigade’ and how Tennyson’s responsibility as Poet Laureate shapes his commentary on the Crimean War.
Understanding the poem 'Charge of the Light Brigade'
I can explain the events of ‘Charge of the Light Brigade’ and how Tennyson’s responsibility as Poet Laureate shapes his commentary on the Crimean War.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- The poem documents the lightly armed British cavalry receiving a "blunder'd" order and charging into enemy fire.
- Tennyson urges remembrance of the soldiers' actions, but also highlights the oversight that led to their deaths.
- Poet Laureate was an appointment made by the monarch and Tennyson was appointed to this position in 1850.
- Tennyson’s role as Poet Laureate may have affected how he would have written about the Battle of Balaclava.
- Tennyson's glorification of their bravery and use of euphemisms may have reflected his national duty.
Common misconception
The poem merely documents a battle where many soldiers die.
The poem addresses the issues of military error and blind obedience.
Keywords
Ballad - a poem narrating a story for future generations to hear
Memorialise - to preserve the memory of, honour or commemorate
Euphemism - a mild word or expression substituted for a harsh one
Glorification - the action of describing something as admirable, especially unjustifiably
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
- Depiction or discussion of upsetting content
- Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
sonnet, ballad, dramatic monologue
imagery, semantic field, rhetorical question
enjambment, caesura, repetition