Brief notes on 'The Charge of the Light Brigade'

Brief notes on 'The Charge of the Light Brigade'

1. Dialogue

   • Imperatives
   • 'Was there a man dismay'd?'
     • Implied answer
     • Rhetorical question
       • Addresses the reader
       • Emphasises courage & sacrifices
       • 'When can their glory fade?'
         • Outraged such sacrifices should be forgotten

2. 'Into the valley of death'

   • Biblical reference
     • Reflects innocence
     • Goodness - sacrifice

3. Structure

   • Random rhyme creates chaos
   • Anaphora
     • 'Theirs'
   • Rhythm
     • Dactylic
       • One stressed syllable followed by two non stressed syllables
       • Sound of galloping horses
       • Sounds of battle
   • Endings of the first three stanzas acts as a chorus
     • Terrible danger
     • Emphasis on small amounts of British troops

4. Sibilance

   • Juxtaposition
     • Stanza 3
     • Shows the physical pain and danger
     • Contrasts with the bravery and heroism of the soldiers
   • 'Storm'd at with shot and shell'
     • Sinister edge
   • 'sabre stroke'
   • Shattered and sunder'd
     • Onomatopoeia
       • Hear sounds of sabers cutting through Russian troops
         • Positive impression
   • Threatening and menacing force
     • British troops

5. Repetition

   • repetition from stanza 3 to stanza 5 but with changes

6. 'wild'

   • reckless

7. Language

   • simple and clear
     • wide range of people

8. Narrative poem

9. Themes

   • Realisation
   • loss
   • grief
   • Honour
   • Pride
   • Leaves a lasting memory of their sacrifice

10. Verbs

    • Turmoil of soldiers actions