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Year 10 - English

Analysing the poem 'Charge of the Light Brigade'

'Power and Conflict'

Unit Summary

In this unit, pupis explore 12 of the 15 poems from the 'Power and Conflict' anthology. Pupils complete two lessons about each poem: one on understanding and one on analysis. Pupils study the poems in three groups, and they pause after each group to compare how those poems present common themes.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to explore how Tennyson uses language and structure to powerfully express his messages about conflict.

Key Notes

  • The poem is written in dactylic dimeter which echoes the forceful sound of horses galloping.
  • The ballad contains a refrain, which could highlight the inevitability or scale of the tragedy.
  • Tennyson personifies death to create a sense of foreboding, emphasising the vicious attack the soldiers faced.
  • Tennyson alludes to Psalm 23, perhaps to criticise those in power who did not fulfil their duty to protect.
  • The semantic field changes from that of danger and death to that of honour, bravery and heroism in the final stanza.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • Patriotic: showing love and devotion to your country
  • Refrain: a short part of a poem that is repeated
  • Allusion: a reference to a well-known character or event to deepen the reader's understanding

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • It is impressive to be able to identify and name structural techniques in an essay.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

1. Explain this English learning goal in two key points.

The poem is written in dactylic dimeter which echoes the forceful sound of horses galloping. The ballad contains a refrain, which could highlight the inevitability or scale of the tragedy.

2. Define this language term and use it in a sentence. 'Patriotic'

showing love and devotion to your country.

3. Correct this common English misunderstanding.

Mistake: It is impressive to be able to identify and name structural techniques in an essay. Correction: It is much better to be able to comment on why certain structural techniques have been used and the effects of them, over just naming them in an essay.

More Lessons In This Unit

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