Poet Alfred Tennyson's Charge Of The Light Brigade

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Recommended: Salient features of war poetry

The nationalism and patriotism of the British Empire lead to many of the people joining the war and fighting for their Queen. “Your country needs you” was the theme during times of war. from men of all ages to young boys, all lined up to be sent to the trenches. Famous poets and writers, in favor of the war wrote to capture the readers heart and influence them to fight for their country. However, not everyone was supportive of the war, a few poets perused an antiwar message. The poets focused on the unnecessary deaths of soldiers who were forced to go to war; as well as those who survive typically returning injured and unable to function in society. The use of patriotism by those back home, such as Her Majesty's Government where all targeted; …show more content…

He is the only poet in this group who wasn’t alive during World War I. Tennyson’s poem The Charge of the Light Brigade is about a battle against Russian soldiers. It’s hard to see the poem as an antiwar thyme since it emphasis on the bravery of the soldiers, and how the world saw them as marvelous men. However, with a closer look at poem readers can see that it criticizes the higher officials who called for the assault. The poem says “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. . .” (Tennyson 3-7) is the general giving the 600 orders to ride into the valley of death. Being a war poem Tennyson uses biblical references of the valley of death as they walk through with no fear. The poem says “Theirs not to make reply, theirs not to reason why, Theirs but to do and die.” (Tennyson 13-15) shows the soldiers commitment, they don’t reason why, and they will do it and die. The soldiers will do what they are asked even if it cost them their life, for their queen and country. As the battle progresses Tennyson shows how they were outnumbered and a few made it back, “Stormed at with shot and shell, While horse and hero fell. They that had fought so well Came through the jaws of Death,” (Tennyson 43-46). With so many losses the blame can only be shifted to those in command. The general made a call with haste and even though Tennyson didn’t emphasize on it, the readers can see no army is proud of a loss. “Honour the charge they made! Honour the Light Brigade, Noble six hundred!” (Tennyson 53-55), the soldiers were heroes; their bravery and strength was acknowledged, even though so many were lost. However, there was no mention of those who sent them to

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