The Charge of the Light Brigade by Alfred Lord Tennyson

 "The Charge of the Light Brigade" is a narrative poem by Alfred, Lord Tennyson, written in 1854. It commemorates the heroic but disastrous cavalry charge of the British Light Brigade during the Battle of Balaclava in the Crimean War. The poem was first published in The Examiner on 9 December 1854, only weeks after the battle, reflecting the immediacy and impact of the event.

Historical Background: The Battle of Balaclava (1854)

During the Crimean War (1853-1856), Britain, France, and the Ottoman Empire fought against Russia. On 25 October 1854, during the Battle of Balaclava, the British Light Brigade, consisting of 600-700 cavalrymen, was ordered to charge directly into Russian artillery. However, the charge was the result of a miscommunication in orders:

• The intended target was a retreating Russian artillery position.
• Due to confusion, the cavalry instead charged head-on into a heavily fortified Russian gun line.
• Though brave and disciplined, they were heavily outgunned and suffered massive casualties.

The Light Brigade’s charge became legendary for its demonstration of courage, loyalty, and obedience despite the odds.

Why Was the Poem Written?

Tennyson, who was Poet Laureate of Britain, wrote this poem as a tribute to the bravery and heroism of the soldiers. He was inspired by a news report in The Times, which described the charge. The poem:

1. Honors the courage and discipline of the British soldiers.
2. Criticizes the blunder that led to unnecessary deaths.
3. Emphasizes duty and patriotism, showing the soldiers’ unwavering obedience.
4. Immortalizes their sacrifice, ensuring they are never forgotten.

Text of ''The Charge of the Light Brigade''

I.
Half a league, half a league,
Half a league onward,
All in the valley of Death
Rode the six hundred.
"Forward, the Light Brigade!
Charge for the guns!" he said.
Into the valley of Death
Rode the six hundred.

 

II.
"Forward, the Light Brigade!"
Was there a man dismayed?
Not though the soldier knew
Someone had blundered.
Theirs not to make reply,
Theirs not to reason why,
Theirs but to do and die.
Into the valley of Death
Rode the six hundred.

 

III.
Cannon to right of them,
Cannon to left of them,
Cannon in front of them
Volleyed and thundered;
Stormed at with shot and shell,
Boldly they rode and well,
Into the jaws of Death,
Into the mouth of Hell
Rode the six hundred.

 

IV.
Flashed all their sabres bare,
Flashed as they turned in air,
Sabring the gunners there,
Charging an army, while
All the world wondered.
Plunged in the battery-smoke
Right through the line they broke;
Cossack and Russian
Reeled from the sabre-stroke
Shattered and sundered.
Then they rode back, but not
Not the six hundred.

 

V.
Cannon to right of them,
Cannon to left of them,
Cannon behind them
Volleyed and thundered;
Stormed at with shot and shell,
While horse and hero fell,
They that had fought so well
Came through the jaws of Death,
Back from the mouth of Hell,
All that was left of them,
Left of six hundred.

 

VI.
When can their glory fade?
O the wild charge they made!
All the world wondered.
Honor the charge they made!
Honor the Light Brigade,
Noble six hundred!

Detailed line-by-line Analysis 

Stanza I

Half a league, half a league, Half a league onward,

• A "league" is a measure of distance (about 3 miles). The repetition emphasizes the steady advance of the soldiers into battle.

All in the valley of Death Rode the six hundred.

• "Valley of Death" symbolizes a place of extreme danger. The six hundred cavalrymen of the Light Brigade are advancing into a deadly situation.

“Forward, the Light Brigade! Charge for the guns!” he said.

• The commanding officer orders the soldiers to charge towards the enemy’s artillery (cannons).

Into the valley of Death Rode the six hundred.

• Repeats the idea that the soldiers are heading towards almost certain death.

Stanza II

“Forward, the Light Brigade!” Was there a man dismayed?

• The command is repeated. "Dismayed" means fearful or hesitant. The poet asks if any soldier was afraid.

Not though the soldier knew Someone had blundered.

• The soldiers realize a mistake has been made (a wrong order given), but they obey without question.

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

• The soldiers do not question orders or protest. Their duty is to follow commands.

Theirs but to do and die.

• Their role is simply to act, even if it leads to death.

 

Into the valley of Death Rode the six hundred.

• Repeated to emphasize their bravery and fate.

Stanza III

Cannon to right of them, Cannon to left of them, Cannon in front of them Volleyed and thundered;

• The Light Brigade is completely surrounded by enemy cannons, firing at them from three sides.

Stormed at with shot and shell, Boldly they rode and well,

• Despite the heavy bombardment, they continue riding bravely.

Into the jaws of Death, Into the mouth of hell Rode the six hundred.

• Metaphors "jaws of Death" and "mouth of hell" make death seem inevitable, highlighting their courage.

Stanza IV

Flashed all their sabres bare, Flashed as they turned in air

• The cavalrymen draw their swords (sabres) and attack, their weapons flashing in the light.

Sabring the gunners there, Charging an army, while All the world wondered.

• They cut down the enemy gunners in close combat. "All the world wondered" suggests astonishment at their bravery.

Plunged in the battery-smoke Right through the line they broke;

• They charge through the smoke of battle and break through enemy lines.

Cossack and Russian Reeled from the sabre stroke Shattered and sundered.

• The enemy (Russians and Cossacks) stagger and are defeated by the sword attacks.

Then they rode back, but not Not the six hundred.

• Some soldiers survive and retreat, but not all—many are dead. 

Stanza V

Cannon to right of them, Cannon to left of them, Cannon behind them Volleyed and thundered;

• Now, as they retreat, they are again fired upon, but this time from behind as well.

Stormed at with shot and shell, While horse and hero fell.

• The enemy continues to fire, killing both horses and soldiers.

They that had fought so well Came through the jaws of Death, Back from the mouth of hell,

• Those who survived escape from certain death.

All that was left of them, Left of six hundred.

• The remaining soldiers are only a fraction of the original six hundred.

Stanza VI

When can their glory fade? O the wild charge they made!

• The poet asks when their heroism will ever be forgotten. "Wild charge" suggests both bravery and recklessness.

All the world wondered.

• Repeated for emphasis—people across the world are in awe of their courage.

Honour the charge they made! Honour the Light Brigade, Noble six hundred!

• The poem ends with a call to remember and honor the heroism of the Light Brigade, despite the tragedy.

Themes & Ideas in the Poem

1. Heroism & Bravery – The poem highlights the extraordinary courage of the soldiers as they charge into battle, fully aware of the dangers ahead. Their unwavering commitment to their mission, despite the overwhelming odds, portrays them as heroic figures. Their bravery is not diminished by the fact that they are outnumbered or outgunned; rather, it is emphasized by their willingness to face near-certain death with unwavering determination.
2. Obedience & Duty – The soldiers do not question their orders; they simply follow them, embodying the discipline and loyalty expected of military personnel. This theme underscores the idea that a soldier’s duty is to serve, even when orders seem flawed or lead to perilous outcomes. The unquestioning nature of their obedience reflects the rigid structure of military hierarchy and the sacrifices that come with such unwavering allegiance.
3. Futility of War – While the poem glorifies the bravery of the soldiers, it also subtly critiques the senselessness of war. The charge, caused by a miscommunication, leads to unnecessary deaths, illustrating the tragic consequences of human error in warfare. The poem suggests that despite the soldiers’ valor, their sacrifice was avoidable, raising questions about the cost of blind obedience and the devastating impact of war.
4. Honor & Remembrance – The final stanza ensures that the soldiers' sacrifice is not forgotten. Instead of focusing solely on the mistake that led to their demise, the poem shifts attention to their valor and dedication. Through poetic repetition and grand imagery, the poem calls upon future generations to honor and remember these men, cementing their place in history as noble and courageous warriors.

Tone & Style in the Poem

1. Rhythmic & Fast-Paced – The poem’s meter and rhythm mimic the galloping of horses, creating a sense of urgency and movement. The use of dactylic meter (stressed syllable followed by two unstressed syllables) gives the poem a rolling, relentless pace, much like the charge itself. This rhythm immerses the reader in the action, making them feel the intensity and momentum of the soldiers advancing into battle. The quick, almost breathless pace also heightens the tension, emphasizing the chaos and speed of the attack.
2. Repetitive Structure – The poem uses repetition to reinforce key ideas and create a lasting impact. Phrases like "Rode the six hundred" and "Cannon to right of them, Cannon to left of them" emphasize the overwhelming danger surrounding the soldiers. The repetition not only adds to the poem’s musicality but also reinforces the collective identity of the soldiers, making them a unified force rather than individual figures. This structure helps drive home the themes of duty, sacrifice, and remembrance, ensuring that the soldiers’ heroism is etched into the reader’s mind.
3. Dramatic & Vivid Imagery – The poem is rich in powerful imagery that brings the battlefield to life. Metaphors such as "Jaws of Death" and "Mouth of Hell" create a terrifying, almost supernatural depiction of war, as if the soldiers are being swallowed by an inescapable fate. These images emphasize the horror and inevitability of death while also elevating the soldiers to heroic status—charging forward into a battlefield that resembles the underworld itself. The poet’s use of such dramatic descriptions not only paints a striking picture but also deepens the emotional impact of the soldiers’ sacrifice.

Poetic Devices in The Charge of the Light Brigade

1. Alliteration – The repetition of consonant sounds enhances the poem’s rhythm and musicality.
• "Storm'd at with shot and shell" (repetition of ‘s’ sound)
• "While horse and hero fell"
2. Repetition – Key phrases are repeated to emphasize the soldiers’ bravery and the relentless nature of their charge.
• "Rode the six hundred" – Reinforces the unity and courage of the brigade.
• "Cannon to right of them, Cannon to left of them, Cannon in front of them" – Highlights their entrapment and the danger surrounding them.
3. Metaphor – Vivid comparisons create powerful imagery.
• "Into the jaws of Death, Into the mouth of Hell" – War is likened to a monstrous force, symbolizing inevitable doom.
4. Personification – Abstract concepts are given human-like qualities to enhance their impact.
• "Jaws of Death" – Death is depicted as a creature consuming the soldiers.
5. Enjambment – Lines flow into each other without pause, maintaining the poem’s fast pace and mimicking the non-stop motion of the charge.
6. Anaphora – The repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive lines creates a dramatic effect.
• "Theirs not to make reply, Theirs not to reason why, Theirs but to do and die." – Highlights the unquestioning obedience of the soldiers.

Rhyming Scheme

The poem does not follow a consistent rhyming scheme throughout but instead uses irregular and varied rhyme patterns to reflect the chaos and unpredictability of battle. Some stanzas have lines that rhyme, while others rely more on rhythm and repetition to create a powerful auditory effect. This irregularity mirrors the disorder and movement of war, making the poem dynamic and engaging.

"The Charge of the Light Brigade" is a powerful patriotic poem that captures both the glory and the tragedy of war. While celebrating the courage of the soldiers, it also subtly critiques the miscommunication and loss caused by war. It remains one of Tennyson’s most famous works and a lasting tribute to the bravery of the Light Brigade.

Short Answer Questions

1. What are the weapons that the Light Brigade possessed?

The Light Brigade was armed with sabres (swords), which they used in direct combat. The poet describes how they attacked the enemy with these weapons, stating, "Flashed all their sabres bare, / Flashed as they turned in air, / Sabring the gunners there." Their primary combat style was cavalry charge, relying on speed and close-range attack.

2. What are the weapons that the enemies possessed?

The enemies had cannons and guns, which gave them a major advantage over the lightly armed cavalry. The poem repeatedly describes the overwhelming firepower of the enemy: "Cannon to right of them, / Cannon to left of them, / Cannon in front of them, / Volleyed and thundered." The enemy’s artillery and gunfire created a deadly battlefield, making the charge highly dangerous.

3. Were the rival groups evenly matched? How do you know?

No, the two sides were not evenly matched. The Light Brigade had only swords, while the enemy had cannons and gunfire. This difference made the charge a suicidal mission. The lines "Stormed at with shot and shell" and "Into the jaws of Death, / Into the mouth of Hell" highlight how the Light Brigade rode into a hopeless and deadly battle.

4. Who does 'he' refer to in line 6?

In line 6, "Charge for the guns!" he said, the word 'he' refers to the commanding officer who ordered the charge. The poem later suggests that this order was a mistake, as seen in the line, "Someone had blundered." This implies that the soldiers were sent into battle due to an error in leadership.

5. Is the 'valley of Death' the name of a place? Why is it called so?

No, "the valley of Death" is not the actual name of a place; it is a metaphor for the battlefield. It is called so because death was almost certain for the soldiers riding into enemy fire. The repetition of "valley of Death" throughout the poem intensifies the sense of doom and highlights the bravery of the soldiers.

6. What does 'sabring the gunners there' mean?

The phrase "sabring the gunners there" refers to the Light Brigade using their sabres (swords) to attack and cut down the enemy gunners. It suggests that despite being outgunned, the soldiers bravely fought hand-to-hand combat with the enemy.

7. Do the lines 'came thro' the jaws of death, / Back from the mouth of hell' refer to those who died or those who survived?

These lines refer to those who survived. The phrase "Back from the mouth of Hell" suggests that some soldiers returned alive from the deadly battle. However, the poem also acknowledges that many did not survive, as shown in "Then they rode back, but not / Not the six hundred."

8. Who are the last three lines addressed to?

The last three lines—"Honor the charge they made! / Honor the Light Brigade, / Noble six hundred!"—are addressed to the readers and the world. The poet calls upon everyone to remember and respect the bravery and sacrifice of the soldiers.

9. What are the last words in each stanza? What is the effect of repetition?

The last words in most stanzas are "Rode the six hundred" or variations like "Not the six hundred" and "Noble six hundred". This repetition emphasizes the soldiers' bravery, sacrifice, and loss. It also creates a rhythmic, chant-like effect, making the poem feel like a tribute to their heroism.

Long Answer Questions

1. The fate of the six hundred soldiers is described through several stanzas. Trace the developments through the stanzas.

The poem follows the progress of the charge in stages. In the first stanza, the Light Brigade begins their charge, riding into danger with courage: "All in the valley of Death / Rode the six hundred." In the second stanza, the soldiers realize that the charge was a mistake ("Someone had blundered") but continue to follow orders: "Theirs not to make reply, / Theirs not to reason why, / Theirs but to do and die."

In the third stanza, the battle intensifies as they are surrounded by cannon fire: "Cannon to right of them, / Cannon to left of them, / Cannon in front of them." The fourth stanza describes how they attack the enemy, breaking through the lines: "Right through the line they broke; / Cossack and Russian / Reeled from the sabre-stroke." However, many soldiers do not survive.

In the fifth stanza, those who survive try to retreat, but many have fallen: "Then they rode back, but not / Not the six hundred." The final stanza honors their bravery, asking the world to remember their sacrifice: "Honor the charge they made! / Honor the Light Brigade, / Noble six hundred!"

2. What is the tone of the poem? What feelings does the poem evoke?

The poem has a tone of admiration, respect, and sorrow. It honors the courage of the soldiers but also laments their tragic loss. Lines like "Theirs but to do and die" highlight the bravery and loyalty of the soldiers, while "Not the six hundred" reminds us of the casualties and sacrifice. The poem evokes feelings of pride, sadness, and awe, making the reader appreciate the heroism and tragedy of the charge.

3. Is the poem an anti-war poem? Justify your answer by quoting from the poem.

The poem is not directly anti-war, but it hints at the tragedy of war. Tennyson does not criticize war itself but suggests that errors in leadership lead to unnecessary loss of life: "Someone had blundered." This implies that the charge was a mistake, yet the soldiers followed orders bravely. The repeated references to "valley of Death" and "jaws of Death" emphasize the horror of battle. However, the poem does not condemn war outright—it glorifies the soldiers' heroism rather than denouncing war itself.

4. The poem uses several devices to emphasize the things the poet wants to draw our attention to. What are these devices? Give examples to support your answer.

The poem uses several literary devices to create impact:

• Repetition: The phrase "Rode the six hundred" is repeated to emphasize their bravery and sacrifice.
• Imagery: The lines "Into the valley of Death" and "Into the mouth of Hell" create vivid images of danger and destruction.
• Alliteration: "Stormed at with shot and shell" uses alliteration to intensify the battle scene.
• Personification: "Jaws of Death" and "mouth of Hell" give death a monstrous quality, making it seem inescapable.
• Rhetorical Question: "When can their glory fade?" engages the reader and reinforces the theme of honor and remembrance.

These devices help make the poem memorable, dramatic, and emotionally powerful.