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Year 10 - English

Understanding 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 explain the events of 'Charge of the Light Brigade' and how Tennyson's responsibility as Poet Laureate shapes his commentary on the Crimean War.

Key Notes

  • The poem documents the lightly armed British cavalry receiving a "blunder'd" order and charging into enemy fire.
  • Tennyson urges remembrance of the soldiers' actions, but also highlights the oversight that led to their deaths.
  • Poet Laureate was an appointment made by the monarch and Tennyson was appointed to this position in 1850.
  • Tennyson's role as Poet Laureate may have affected how he would have written about the Battle of Balaclava.
  • Tennyson's glorification of their bravery and use of euphemisms may have reflected his national duty.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • ballad: a poem narrating a story for future generations to hear
  • memorialise: to preserve the memory of, honour or commemorate
  • euphemism: when a mild word or expression is used as a substitute for a harsh one
  • glorification: the action of describing something as admirable, especially unjustifiably

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • The poem merely documents a battle where many soldiers die.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

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

The poem documents the lightly armed British cavalry receiving a "blunder'd" order and charging into enemy fire. Tennyson urges remembrance of the soldiers' actions, but also highlights the oversight that led to their deaths.

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

a poem narrating a story for future generations to hear.

3. Correct this common English misunderstanding.

Mistake: The poem merely documents a battle where many soldiers die. Correction: The poem addresses the issues of military error and blind obedience.

More Lessons In This Unit

Browse all guides in the Year 10 English guide library.