The Charge of the Light Brigade

One of the major themes of Tennyson’s poem is the idea of bravery in the face of certain death. Many Britons were struck by the news reports of the events at Balaclava and the miscommunication that sent so many men into battle. Yet, they were also in awe of the idea that the unprepared men fought “boldly […] and well” (Line 23), rising to the occasion. The emphasis on the soldiers’ courage begins with the urgency of the first lines as the brigade rides “[h]alf a league, half a league, / [h]alf a league onward” (Lines 1-2), drawing nearer to the valley. They push aside hesitation and do not question their commander or duty, even though the charge seems to lead them into “the valley of Death” (Lines 7, 16).

Even had they known “someone […] blundered” (Line 12) the order, they wouldn’t have protested, the speaker suggests. This would have been part of their military training and British stoicism. They would “do” (Line 15), even though it means they will “die” (Line 15). Despite going into the “jaws of Death,” the brigade acts as if it will make a difference, “[c]harging [the] army” (Line 30). They “plung[e]” (Line 32) forward to wield their weapons, facing cannon fire and “gunners” (Line 29), which are much more destructive than the “sabres” (Line 27) with which the brigade is equipped.