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.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
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.
Keywords
Ballad - a poem narrating a story for future generations to hear
Memorialise - to preserve the memory of, honour or commemorate
Euphemism - when a mild word or expression is used as a substitute for a harsh one
Glorification - the action of describing something as admirable, especially unjustifiably
Common misconception
The poem merely documents a battle where many soldiers die.
The poem addresses the issues of military error and blind obedience.
To help you plan your year 10 english lesson on: Understanding the poem 'Charge of the Light Brigade', download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 10 english lesson on: Understanding the poem 'Charge of the Light Brigade', download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
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The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
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Explore more key stage 4 english lessons from the 'Conflict' unit, dive into the full secondary english curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Equipment
You will need access to a copy of the AQA Power and Conflict Anthology for this lesson.
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
- Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
Lesson video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
sonnet, ballad, dramatic monologue
imagery, semantic field, rhetorical question
enjambment, caesura, repetition