Brief notes on 'The Charge of the Light Brigade'

Dialogue
1. Imperatives
2. 'Was there a man dismay'd?'
  1. Implied answer
  2. Rhetorical question
    1. Addresses the reader
    2. Emphasises courage & sacrifices
    3. 'When can their glory fade?'
      1. Outraged such sacrifices should be forgotten
'Into the valley of death'
1. Biblical reference
  1. Reflects innocence
  2. Goodness - sacrifice
Structure
1. Random rhyme creates chaos
2. Anaphora
  1. 'Theirs'
3. Rhythm
  1. Dactylic
    Annotations:
    - One stressed syllable followed by two non stressed syllables
    1. Sound of galloping horses
    2. Sounds of battle
4. Endings of the first three stanzas acts as a chorus
  1. Terrible danger
  2. Emphasis on small amounts of British troops
Sibilance
1. Juxtaposition
  1. Stanza 3
  2. Shows the physical pain and danger
  3. Contrasts with the bravery and heroism of the soldiers
2. 'Storm'd at with shot and shell'
  1. Sinister edge
3. 'sabre stroke'
4. Shattered and sunder'd
  1. Onomatopoeia
    1. Hear sounds of sabers cutting through Russian troops
      1. Positive impression
5. Threatening and menacing force
  1. British troops
Repetition
1. repetition from stanza 3 to stanza 5 but with changes
'wild'
1. reckless
Language
1. simple and clear
  1. wide range of people
Narrative poem
Themes
1. Realisation
2. loss
3. grief
4. Honour
5. Pride
6. Leaves a lasting memory of their sacrifice
Verbs
1. Turmoil of soldiers actions

Resource summary

	Created by Freddie Callaghan about 6 years ago