The Charge of the Light Brigade by Lord Alfred Tennyson - Poem / Poetry Appreciation / Exercises on Poem / Question-Answer on Poem / Theme and Summary of Poem / Poem Analysis
- Fakhruddin Babar
- Feb 7
- 13 min read
Updated: Feb 10
The Charge of the Light Brigade
Lord Alfred Tennyson
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.
“Forward, the Light Brigade!
“Was there a man dismay’d?
Not tho’the soldiers knew
Someone had blunder’d:
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.
Cannon to right of them,
Cannon to left of them,
Cannon in front of them
Volley’d and thunder’d;
Storm’d at with shot and shell,
Boldly they rode and well,
Into the jaws of Death,
Into the mouth of Hell
Rode the six hundred.
Flash’d all their sabres bare,
Flash’d as they turn’d in air
Sabring the gunners there,
Charging an army while
All the world wonder’d:
Plunged in the battery-smoke
Right thro’ the line they broke;
Cossack and Russian
Reel’d from the sabre-stroke
Shatter’d and sunder’d.
Then they rode back, but not
Not the six hundred.
Cannon to right of them,
Cannon to left of them,
Cannon behind them
Volley’d and thunder’d;
Storm’d at with shot and shell,
While horse and hero fell,
They that had fought so well
Came thro’ the jaws of Death,
Back from the mouth of Hell,
All that was left of them,
Left of six hundred.
When can their glory fade?
O the wild charge they made!
All the world wondered.
Honour the charge they made,
Honour the Light Brigade,
Noble six hundred!
Theme: It centers on the bravery, loyalty, and sacrifice of soldiers in the face of impossible odds. The poem highlights the courage of the Light Brigade, who, despite knowing that a mistake had been made, followed their orders without question and charged into near-certain death. Tennyson honors their heroism and dedication, immortalizing their noble sacrifice in the face of overwhelming forces.
Summary: In Lord Alfred Tennyson’s poem “The Charge of the Light Brigade,” the poet recounts the heroic yet tragic charge of 600 British soldiers during the Battle of Balaclava in the Crimean War. Despite knowing they were ordered into a deadly situation due to a mistake, the soldiers bravely charged into battle, facing enemy cannon fire from all sides. Many soldiers were killed or injured, but their courage and sense of duty remained unwavering. Tennyson immortalizes their sacrifice, emphasizing the honor and valor of the Light Brigade despite the devastating outcome.
Paraphrasing
Paraphrasing of each sentence from The Charge of the Light Brigade:
Half a league, half a league,
Half a league onward,
All in the valley of Death,
Rode the six hundred.
The soldiers moved forward, each step taking them closer to their target, in a continuous, rhythmic motion. They rode towards a dangerous and deadly battlefield, often referred to as the "valley of Death," and the brave group of six hundred soldiers led the charge into this perilous situation.
“Forward, the Light Brigade!
Charge for the guns” he said:
Into the valley of Death
Rode the six hundred.
The commanding officer ordered the Light Brigade to move forward and attack the enemy artillery (the "guns"). Without hesitation, the six hundred soldiers gallantly rode straight into the deadly valley, facing almost certain danger.
“Forward, the Light Brigade!
“Was there a man dismay’d?
Not tho’ the soldiers knew
Someone had blunder’d:
The command to charge was repeated, and there was no sign of fear among the soldiers. Despite knowing that a mistake had been made—likely in miscommunication or orders—the soldiers did not hesitate or show any signs of fear.
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.
The soldiers’ duty was clear: they were not to question or debate the order given to them, nor were they to reason with it. Their only task was to obey the command, even if it meant dying in the process. They rode on, unwavering, into the danger of the valley.
Cannon to right of them,
Cannon to left of them,
Cannon in front of them
Volley’d and thunder’d;
The soldiers were surrounded by cannons, with enemies firing from every side. The sound of the cannon blasts was deafening, a thunderous barrage aimed directly at them.
Storm’d at with shot and shell,
Boldly they rode and well,
Into the jaws of Death,
Into the mouth of Hell
Rode the six hundred.
The soldiers faced heavy artillery fire, with bullets and shells bombarding them from all directions. Despite this intense danger, they charged forward with great courage and skill, entering a deathly and hellish situation with bravery.
Flash’d all their sabres bare,
Flash’d as they turn’d in air
Sabring the gunners there,
Charging an army while
All the world wonder’d:
As they charged, the soldiers drew their sabres (swords), which gleamed in the light as they swung them through the air. They attacked the enemy gunners, slashing them as they charged toward a well-armed army. The world watched in awe at their boldness and courage.
Plunged in the battery-smoke
Right thro’ the line they broke;
Cossack and Russian
Reel’d from the sabre-stroke
Shatter’d and sunder’d.
The soldiers charged through the thick smoke of the artillery and broke through the enemy’s defenses. The Russian soldiers and Cossacks were stunned by the impact of the sabres, with many being injured and broken apart by the force of the attack.
Then they rode back, but not
Not the six hundred.
After completing their charge, some soldiers attempted to return. However, not all of the original six hundred made it back alive; many had fallen during the battle.
Cannon to right of them,
Cannon to left of them,
Cannon behind them
Volley’d and thunder’d;
Again, the soldiers were surrounded by cannon fire from all sides, with enemies continuing to unleash their artillery from every direction, adding to the chaos and danger.
Storm’d at with shot and shell,
While horse and hero fell,
They that had fought so well
Came thro’ the jaws of Death,
Back from the mouth of Hell,
All that was left of them,
Left of six hundred.
The soldiers were relentlessly bombarded with shots and shells while both horses and riders fell to the ground. Despite their bravery in battle, only a fraction of the original six hundred soldiers survived, making their way back from the danger they had ridden into.
When can their glory fade?
O the wild charge they made!
All the world wonder’d.
The poet reflects on how the glory of these brave soldiers can never fade, as their courageous and wild charge will always be remembered. Their audacity in the face of certain death left the world in awe.
Honour the charge they made,
Honour the Light Brigade,
Noble six hundred!
The poet calls for the Light Brigade's charge to be honored, praising their bravery, loyalty, and sacrifice. The soldiers are described as "noble," as their actions deserve eternal respect and admiration.
Short Answer Questions
10 questions with answers on The Charge of the Light Brigade:
1. What is the main event described in the poem?
Answer: The main event described in the poem is the heroic and tragic charge of the Light Brigade during the Battle of Balaclava in the Crimean War. Despite a miscommunication or mistake in the orders, six hundred soldiers charge into a heavily fortified Russian artillery position, facing almost certain death.
2. How are the soldiers described in the poem?
Answer: The soldiers are described as brave, fearless, and loyal. They follow orders without questioning, even though they know the charge is a mistake. They ride "into the jaws of Death" and face the cannons of the enemy with great courage and determination.
3. What role does the valley of Death play in the poem?
Answer: The "valley of Death" is a metaphor for the deadly battlefield where the Light Brigade charges. It symbolizes the extreme danger and the certainty of death that the soldiers face as they ride into the enemy's artillery fire.
4. What was the command given to the soldiers?
Answer: The command given to the soldiers was to "Charge for the guns," which meant they were to attack the Russian artillery, despite the risk involved.
5. How do the soldiers react to the command?
Answer: The soldiers react with obedience and courage. They do not question the command, even though they know that someone had blundered and sent them into a dangerous situation. Their duty is simply to obey and carry out the charge.
6. What is the significance of the repeated phrase "Cannon to right of them, Cannon to left of them, Cannon in front of them"?
Answer: The repeated phrase emphasizes the overwhelming danger the soldiers face. They are surrounded on all sides by cannon fire, highlighting the perilousness of the charge and the bravery required to continue moving forward.
7. What happens to the soldiers during the charge?
Answer: During the charge, many soldiers fall to enemy fire, and their horses are struck down by the barrage of cannonballs and bullets. Despite this, they continue their attack, breaking through the enemy's defenses, but not all of the six hundred soldiers return.
8. How is the charge described in the poem?
Answer: The charge is described as "wild" and "bold." It is portrayed as an act of great bravery and heroism, despite the tragic outcome. The soldiers charge fearlessly into the enemy lines, undeterred by the heavy fire directed at them.
9. What is the poem's attitude toward the soldiers of the Light Brigade?
Answer: The poem honors and praises the soldiers of the Light Brigade for their courage and sacrifice. The soldiers are referred to as "noble six hundred," and their actions are seen as a symbol of duty, bravery, and honor. Their glory is eternal.
10. How does the poem conclude?
Answer: The poem concludes by calling for the soldiers' glory to never fade. The poet reflects on the wild charge they made and emphasizes the need to honor the Light Brigade for their noble and courageous actions, even though many did not survive the battle.
Multiple-choice questions based on the text:
1. What event does the poem describe?
a) A victorious battle
b) A heroic charge into battle
c) A peaceful retreat
d) A surprise attack
Answer: b) A heroic charge into battle
2. What was the command given to the Light Brigade?
a) Retreat
b) Charge for the guns
c) Defend the position
d) Halt and regroup
Answer: b) Charge for the guns
3. What does the phrase "valley of Death" symbolize in the poem?
a) A place of peace
b) A location of certain danger
c) A mountain pass
d) A strategic advantage
Answer: b) A location of certain danger
4. What is the primary emotion expressed by the soldiers during the charge?
a) Fear
b) Confusion
c) Courage
d) Indifference
Answer: c) Courage
5. How does the poet describe the cannons during the charge?
a) "Cannon to right of them, Cannon to left of them, Cannon in front of them"
b) "Cannon to their rear, firing sporadically"
c) "Silent, waiting for the soldiers to approach"
d) "Blasting from the mountainside"
Answer: a) "Cannon to right of them, Cannon to left of them, Cannon in front of them"
6. What happened to the soldiers after the charge?
a) They captured the enemy’s territory
b) They fell back and regrouped
c) Many of them were killed, and only a few returned
d) They were surrounded by the enemy and captured
Answer: c) Many of them were killed, and only a few returned
7. What does the poet mean by "Into the jaws of Death, Into the mouth of Hell"?
a) The soldiers were riding into a safe place
b) The soldiers were marching bravely to their death
c) The soldiers were retreating
d) The soldiers were attacked by the enemy
Answer: b) The soldiers were marching bravely to their death
8. What is the tone of the poem?
a) Sarcastic
b) Celebratory and respectful
c) Despairing
d) Indifferent
Answer: b) Celebratory and respectful
9. What is the main reason the soldiers charged, according to the poem?
a) They wanted to capture land
b) They were ordered to follow their commander’s orders
c) They were seeking revenge
d) They believed it was a strategic move
Answer: b) They were ordered to follow their commander’s orders
10. How does the poem end?
a) The soldiers are defeated
b) The charge is considered a failure
c) The soldiers' bravery is honored
d) The battle ends with a truce
Answer: c) The soldiers' bravery is honored
Summary of The Charge of the Light Brigade
The Charge of the Light Brigade is a narrative poem by Lord Alfred Tennyson that recounts the tragic yet heroic charge of the British cavalry during the Battle of Balaclava in the Crimean War, fought on October 25, 1854. The poem is written in the third person and presents the Light Brigade's charge into the "valley of Death," where they were to attack Russian artillery positions.
The poem begins with the soldiers moving forward in unison, "half a league onward," towards the valley where death awaits them. The commander orders them to "charge for the guns," signaling the Light Brigade to ride towards the Russian cannons. Although the soldiers are aware that a blunder has occurred—possibly in miscommunication or in the misinterpretation of the orders—they are bound by duty and obedience, following the command without question. They "do and die," knowing the charge is doomed.
The soldiers ride directly into the line of fire, with cannons firing from all directions. Despite this overwhelming artillery barrage, the soldiers continue to charge forward, undeterred by the heavy gunfire. As they charge, they draw their sabres, and the scene becomes one of intense combat, as they engage in a close battle with the Russian gunners. Many soldiers fall, but the Light Brigade pushes forward, breaking through the Russian lines.
However, after their daring attack, the soldiers attempt to retreat, but not all of them survive the battle. Many fall to the cannon fire, leaving only a small portion of the original six hundred to return. The poem ends by immortalizing the charge and calling for the world to honor the bravery and sacrifice of the soldiers. The poet reflects on the enduring glory of the charge and urges recognition of the soldiers' noble actions. The poem ends with the lines, "Honour the charge they made, Honour the Light Brigade, Noble six hundred!"
Theme of The Charge of the Light Brigade
The central theme of The Charge of the Light Brigade is one of heroism, duty, and sacrifice. The soldiers are portrayed as brave and loyal, following orders even in the face of almost certain death. Despite the tragic loss of life, the poem celebrates the courage and nobility of the soldiers, urging the reader to honor their actions. The poem also explores the concept of blind obedience to authority, where the soldiers act without question, even when they are aware of a mistake, reinforcing the idea of duty over reasoning. The Light Brigade's charge, though disastrous, is immortalized as a symbol of valor and selflessness.
Bangla Translation (Summary)
দ্য চার্জ অফ দ্য লাইট ব্রিগেডের সারসংক্ষেপ
দ্য চার্জ অফ দ্য লাইট ব্রিগেড হল লর্ড আলফ্রেড টেনিসনের একটি আখ্যানমূলক কবিতা যা ১৮৫৪ সালের ২৫শে অক্টোবর ক্রিমিয়ান যুদ্ধে বালাক্লাভার যুদ্ধের সময় ব্রিটিশ অশ্বারোহী বাহিনীর করুণ অথচ বীরত্বপূর্ণ আক্রমণের বর্ণনা দেয়। কবিতাটি তৃতীয় পুরুষে লেখা এবং "মৃত্যুর উপত্যকায়" লাইট ব্রিগেডের আক্রমণের উপস্থাপনা করে, যেখানে তাদের রাশিয়ান কামান অবস্থান আক্রমণ করার কথা ছিল।
কবিতাটি শুরু হয় সৈন্যদের একযোগে এগিয়ে যাওয়ার মাধ্যমে, "অর্ধেক লিগ এগিয়ে", উপত্যকার দিকে যেখানে মৃত্যু তাদের জন্য অপেক্ষা করছে। কমান্ডার তাদের "বন্দুকের জন্য আক্রমণ" করার নির্দেশ দেন, লাইট ব্রিগেডকে রাশিয়ান কামানের দিকে চড়ার ইঙ্গিত দেন। যদিও সৈন্যরা জানে যে একটি ভুল ঘটেছে - সম্ভবত ভুল যোগাযোগের কারণে বা আদেশের ভুল ব্যাখ্যার কারণে - তারা কর্তব্য এবং আনুগত্যের দ্বারা আবদ্ধ, প্রশ্ন ছাড়াই আদেশ অনুসরণ করে। তারা "করে এবং মরে", জেনে যে চার্জটি ধ্বংসপ্রাপ্ত।
সৈন্যরা সরাসরি আগুনের রেখায় চড়ে, চারদিক থেকে কামান গুলি ছুড়ছে। এই অপ্রতিরোধ্য কামানের গোলাবর্ষণ সত্ত্বেও, সৈন্যরা প্রচণ্ড গুলির শব্দে বিচলিত না হয়ে সামনের দিকে এগিয়ে যেতে থাকে। আক্রমণ করার সময়, তারা তাদের স্যাবার টেনে নেয়, এবং দৃশ্যটি তীব্র যুদ্ধের মতো হয়ে ওঠে, কারণ তারা রাশিয়ান বন্দুকধারীদের সাথে এক ঘনিষ্ঠ যুদ্ধে লিপ্ত হয়। অনেক সৈন্য পড়ে যায়, কিন্তু লাইট ব্রিগেড রাশিয়ান রেখা ভেঙে এগিয়ে যায়।
যাইহোক, তাদের সাহসী আক্রমণের পর, সৈন্যরা পিছু হটার চেষ্টা করে, কিন্তু তাদের সকলেই যুদ্ধে বেঁচে থাকে না। অনেকেই কামানের গোলাগুলিতে পড়ে যায়, মূল ছয়শোর একটি ছোট অংশই ফিরে আসে। কবিতাটি আক্রমণটিকে অমর করে এবং বিশ্বকে সৈন্যদের সাহসিকতা এবং ত্যাগকে সম্মান করার আহ্বান জানিয়ে শেষ হয়। কবি আক্রমণের স্থায়ী গৌরব প্রতিফলিত করেন এবং সৈন্যদের মহৎ কর্মের স্বীকৃতির আহ্বান জানান। কবিতাটি এই লাইন দিয়ে শেষ হয়, "তারা যে আক্রমণ করেছে তাকে সম্মান করো, লাইট ব্রিগেডকে সম্মান করো, মহৎ ছয়শো!"
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Vocabulary
Charge
Meaning: A sudden forward movement, usually in battle.
Bengali: আক্রমণ
Brigade
Meaning: A large group of soldiers or military unit.
Bengali: ব্রিগেড
Forward
Meaning: Moving in the direction of progress or attack.
Bengali: এগিয়ে
Cannon
Meaning: A large, heavy gun used in warfare.
Bengali: কামান
Volley
Meaning: A burst of many bullets or missiles fired at once.
Bengali: একসাথে গুলি চালানো
Thundered
Meaning: To make a loud, booming noise, like the sound of artillery.
Bengali: গর্জন করা
Dismay
Meaning: A sudden and complete loss of courage or resolution due to an unexpected event.
Bengali: হতাশা
Blundered
Meaning: To make a mistake, especially a big one.
Bengali: ভুল করা
Obey
Meaning: To follow commands or instructions.
Bengali: অনুগমন করা
Reel
Meaning: To move in a way that is unsteady or to stagger.
Bengali: আছড়ানো
Sabring
Meaning: Using a sabre (a type of sword) to strike.
Bengali: তলোয়ার দিয়ে আঘাত করা
Boldly
Meaning: In a brave or courageous way.
Bengali: সাহসীভাবে
Peril
Meaning: Serious danger or risk.
Bengali: বিপদ
Jaws
Meaning: The mouth or opening, often used metaphorically.
Bengali: মুখ
Mouth of Hell
Meaning: A metaphor for entering a very dangerous or deadly situation.
Bengali: মৃত্যুর মুখ
Reckless
Meaning: Without thinking about the consequences, often in a dangerous manner.
Bengali: অবিবেচক
Sabre
Meaning: A curved sword, typically used by cavalry.
Bengali: তলোয়ার
Rode
Meaning: Past tense of ride, to travel on horseback.
Bengali: চড়া
Gunners
Meaning: Soldiers who operate artillery or cannons.
Bengali: কামান চালক
Retreat
Meaning: To withdraw or pull back, especially in a military context.
Bengali: পিছু হটানো
Fell
Meaning: Past tense of fall, to drop or collapse.
Bengali: পড়ে যাওয়া
Battlefield
Meaning: The area where a battle takes place.
Bengali: যুদ্ধে ভূমি
Smoke
Meaning: The visible vapor or gases from fire, often obstructing vision.
Bengali: ধোঁয়া
Glory
Meaning: Great honor or fame, often from heroic acts.
Bengali: মহিমা
Wondered
Meaning: Thought with curiosity or amazement.
Bengali: বিস্মিত হওয়া
Noble
Meaning: Having high moral qualities or showing courage and honor.
Bengali: মহৎ
Duty
Meaning: A moral or legal obligation; responsibility.
Bengali: কর্তব্য
Sacrifice
Meaning: Giving up something valuable for a higher cause.
Bengali: ত্যাগ
Fall
Meaning: To drop to the ground, often due to injury or death.
Bengali: পড়ে যাওয়া
Ride
Meaning: To travel on horseback.
Bengali: চড়া
Soldiers
Meaning: Members of an army.
Bengali: সৈনিক
Fury
Meaning: Wild or violent anger.
Bengali: ক্রোধ
Battalion
Meaning: A large group of soldiers, typically smaller than a regiment.
Bengali: ব্যাটালিয়ন
Frontlines
Meaning: The area closest to the enemy, where the battle is most intense.
Bengali: সম্মুখভাগ
Heroic
Meaning: Showing great bravery and courage.
Bengali: নায়কোচিত
Immortalized
Meaning: To make someone or something famous forever.
Bengali: অমর করা
Sorrow
Meaning: Deep sadness or grief.
Bengali: দুঃখ
Courage
Meaning: The ability to face fear or danger without being overcome by it.
Bengali: সাহস
Devotion
Meaning: Strong loyalty or commitment to a cause or person.
Bengali: নিবেদন
Ambush
Meaning: An attack by surprise from a hidden position.
Bengali: অন্তর্ঘাত
Honor
Meaning: High respect or esteem.
Bengali: সম্মান
Blaze
Meaning: A very bright flame or fire.
Bengali: আগুনের শিখা
Miscommunication
Meaning: A failure to communicate properly, leading to misunderstanding.
Bengali: অস্পষ্ট যোগাযোগ
Vengeance
Meaning: Revenge; punishment inflicted in return for a wrong.
Bengali: প্রতিশোধ
Defeat
Meaning: The failure to win or achieve victory.
Bengali: পরাজয়
Tactic
Meaning: A method or plan for achieving a particular goal, especially in battle.
Bengali: কৌশল
Mortality
Meaning: The state of being subject to death.
Bengali: মৃত্যুহার
Charge
Meaning: A sudden attack, especially by cavalry.
Bengali: আক্রমণ
Wounded
Meaning: Injured, usually in a battle or accident.
Bengali: আহত
Defiance
Meaning: Open resistance or bold disobedience.
Bengali: বিরোধিতা
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