WB Q/A

1. What weapons are used against the soldiers?

A. Cannons, guns and bullets are used against the soldiers.

2. What does "Then they rode back, but not / Not the six hundred" imply about the soldiers?

A. The above lines imply that not all the soldiers of those six hundred of the British Light Brigade
returned back. Most of the soldiers died in the charge. This shows the dedication and the courage of the
soldiers. They did not think about their own lives and followed orders. The poet leaves the number of
soldiers who died to the reader's imagination to emphasize their bravery.

3. What is the poem "The Charge of the Light Brigade" about?

A. The poem tells the story of a brigade consisting of 600 soldiers who rode on horseback into the 'valley
of death' for half a league. They were attacked by canon shots from both sides and from the front. Yet
they rode bravely forward towards their death. They knew that someone had made a mistake, but they
were disciplined and followed their commander's orders. Most men died. Some of them were so skilled
that they reached the enemy camp at the other end, fought with them and returned back. The bravery
and courage of the noble men of the Light Brigade remain worthy of honour and glory.

TB Q/A

a) The rhythm of the repeated lines creates a relentless beat. The beat is continued throughout the
poem, reflecting the riding of the Light Brigade into battle on horseback and its return. The use of
repetition in the poem is intended to stress upon and communicate the courage of the soldiers and of
the dangers faced by the Brigade armed only with swords against the enemy with guns.

b) No, all the soldiers did not make the journey back. The light Brigade lost many soldiers and horses,
only a few survived.
"Storm'd at with shot and shell, While horse and hero fell,
All that was left of them, Left of six hundred."

c) The soldiers follow orders given by their commanders, they don't analyse, reason or question the
given orders. They fight for the honour and glory of their country. Questioning the superiors is
considered indiscipline and refusing to fight is called deserting- both of which will affect the morale of
the army.
d) The poet reminds the reader throughout the poem of the difficulties faced by the soldiers of thr light
brigade. They ride without question into the enemy area knowing the outcome could be certain death.
Their glory should not fade, as their sacrifice is symbolic of all those who sacrifice their lives for their
country.

e) The Charge of the Light Brigade is an emotive poem which both praises and laments the action in the
battle. War is often undertaken with the knowledge that death or injury is almost certain. The poet
celebrates soldiers who conduct themselves according to orders. Tennyson shows how violent and
relentless war is, by using repetition at the start of each stanza. Words such as ‘glory’, ‘honour’ and
‘noble’ are used by the poet to admire the men who fight in war. The poem shows disliking at the
treatment of the men of the Light Brigade: ‘Someone had blundered’ in the decision to attack. However,
it present the view that taking orders and serving one's country is honourable.

Q.2.

a) i. 600 soldiers of the British Light Brigade were fighting against the Russian army.

ii. Due to a misunderstanding, an order sent by the commander-in- chief, the British soldiers of the Light
Brigade were ordered to attack the Russians. The British soldiers with only swords and lances went into
a valley to attack the Russian army with guns. The Russian army had cannons and guns and were
guarding the valley from three sides.

iii. Although the soldiers knew that the attack was a mistake they bravely charged ahead,
unquestioningly, following the given orders. The Light Brigade lost many soldiers and horses and nobody
won that battle.

b)

i. The British soldiers are referred to as the ones with the sabres and the Russian and Cossack soldiers
stationed in the valley are referred to as the ones with the guns.

i. ii. The British soldiers were ill-equipped but disciplined and very brave. They showed unquestioned
loyalty to their commander. Some of them managed to reach the enemy frontline and engaged them in
a fight before riding back out of the valley.

iii. The people all over the world wondered how the British soldiers who used only lances, sabres and
swords could fight against the guns and cannons used by the Russians and the Cossacks.
3. Language
a) Half a league….., Into the valley …, Cannon to …., Flash’d …, Honour the ….