However, comes from the careful use of imagery and sound effects. Language of the poem is understandably military: guns, soldiers,Ĭannon, sabres and gunners set the scene. Stanza six is a short, sharp conclusion written as if they are the lines we should remember the Light Brigade by. To retreat is expressed in the run of six longer lines (43-48). Stanza four, for example, is broken by four shorter lines, while stanzaįive has only two short lines (lines 42 and 48). – the Light Brigade has engaged the enemy so the longer stanzasĭescribe the struggle. This pattern suggests the strong formation in which the cavalry charge. Three lines (of three six-to-seven syllables) are followed by a shorter line (five syllables: 'rode the six hundred'). The first three stanzas - the Light Brigade is approaching the guns. The length of the stanzas reflect the structure of the story. For example 'half a league, half a league' two light beats followed by a heavy beat expresses the sound of the horses galloping.Īs if each stanza is a memorial stone to 100 of the 600 cavalrymen. Then embraced British military exploits abroad began to question the The news of the disaster was a sensation and a nation that had until Over 150īritish soldiers were killed, and more than 120 were wounded. Narrow valley straight into the fire of Russian cannons. Light Brigade) was misunderstood and 600 cavalrymen ended charging down a The most significant moment in the Crimea came during the Battle of Balaclava.Īn order given to the British army's cavalry division (known as the Newspapers carried eye-witness reports as well as detailing not just the triumphs of war but the mistakes and horrors as well.

The Crimean War was fought between Britain and Him the country's longest ever serving laureate. He held this post until his death in 1892, making This meant he had to write important poems about events that affected On the legend of King Arthur to those dealing with the loss of a loved Started writing poetry from a young age and published his first poems Alfred Tennyson (1809-1892) was one of 11 children born to an

Tone of the charge of the light brigade