Alfred, Lord Tennyson Intro In the Crimean War (18541856 ) a light cavalry brigade of the British forces conducted a suicidal charge in the Battle of Balaclava in Ukraine. Of the 637 men in the brigade, 247 were killed. Britain, France and Turkey were fighting Russia. The title is about the courageous brigade and their doom. The Poet Born in August 6, 1809 , in Somersby , Lincolnshire , England Born in a middle class family Studied in Cambridge where his writing career flourished One of the most well-loved Victorian poets. His famous works includes Ulysses, The Princess: A Medley And In Memoriam A.H.H Half a league, half a league, Half a league onward, The soldiers were on their horses, charging forward. In the poem, half a league refers to? The unit to measure distance - A league: about 3 miles / 2.5 km All in the valley of Death They were moving towards the battlefield which was frightening and deadly Rode the six hundred There were six hundred horsemen in the brigade. How many soldiers are there in the Light Brigade? 600 men. “Forward, the Light Brigade! The commander of the brigade ordered the Horsemen to move forward. Charge for the guns!” he said The Light Brigade was ordered to seize the enemy’s guns. Into the valley of Death Rode the six hundred. The six hundred soldiers rode into battle even though they know they will end their lives. “Forward, The Light Brigade!” The commander repeated the command and move forward. Was there a man dismayed? Were any of the soldiers scared? Not though the soldier knew Someone had blundered None of the soldiers lost the courage even though they knew that someone had made a mistake. Which of the following words means ‘mistake’? a) Blunder b) Dismay c) Volley d) Charge a) blunder Theirs not to make reply, It was not the soldiers’ place to talk back to their commander. Theirs not to reason why, It was not the soldiers’ place to question the order from the commander. Theirs but to do and die. It was their duty to carry out the command given even if it results in death. Into the valley of Death Rode the six hundred. The six hundred soldiers rode into battle even though they know they will end their lives. “Cannon to right of them, Cannon to left of them, Cannon in front of them, The soldiers were surrounded by enemy cannon from all sides. Defeat was clear for the soldiers. Volleyed and thundered; The firing of cannons all around made a thundering sound. Stormed at with shot and shell, Bullets and explosives were fired violently like a storm. Boldly they rode and well Despite the attacks, the soldiers rode on with a great courage. Into the jaws of Death, Into the mouth of hell Rode the six hundred. The six hundred soldiers rode into battle even though they know they will end their lives. THE COMPLEXITIES OF WAR -A war can bring out the best and worst of mankind. -The violence and tragedy of war but also celebrate the courage and loyalty of the soldiers. LOYALTY AND DUTY -The soldiers obediently follow the commander’s order without question. -They have a strong sense of loyalty and are willing to risk their own lives to do their duty. THEMES COURAGE AND HEROISM -The poem honours the bravery and heroism of the Light Brigade -The soldiers do not hesitate to fight in the battle despite knowing that death awaits them PATRIOTISM -The soldiers fight bravely to defend their country. -Despite knowing the futility of the situation, their loyalty never wavers. MORAL VALUES Word Banks Charge- attack Brigade- an army or unit or division League- a distance of roughly 5km Valley- canyon, dale Dismay- consternation, terror Though- despite Blunder- mistake, error Cannon- a weapon that shoots large metallic balls Volley- repeated firing Storm- attack Cavalry- horse soldiers, an army division of soldiers on horseback Exercise 1 1. Who ordered the cavalry to charge? 2. How many men were there in the cavalry? 3. Were any of the cavalry dismayed at the order to charge? 4. What did the soldier know? 5. What does the poet mean by “theirs but to do and die”? 6. Describe the battle.
