- Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow.
“Forward, the Light Brigade!”
Was there a man dismay’d?
Not tho’ the soldier knew
Someone had blundere’d
- How did the soldiers feel when they realised their blunder?
- They were dismayed. ii. They were fearless
(iii) They were confused (iv) They were hesitant.
Answer. (ii) They were fearless.
- How did the soldiers respond to the blunder?
- They questioned their superiors.
- They made a strategic retreat.
- They carried out their orders without question.
- They protested and refused to fight.
Answer. They did not protest or retreat. Instead, they continued forward bravely despite knowing the mistake.
- Complete the sentence appropriately.
The soldiers’ task was _____
The soldiers’ task was to charge into battle without questioning orders.
- In the given lines what figure of speech does the poet use?
Theirs not to make reply,
Theirs not to reason why,
Theirs but to do and die.
- Irony ii. Repetition iii. Anaphora iv. Simile
Answer.(ii) Repetition and (iii) Anaphora.
- The use of the phrase valley of death creates an image of ____
- Confinement ii. Danger iii Confusion iv Damage.
Answer. (ii) Danger.
Q2. Answer the following questions in 30-40 words each.
- Why does the poet use repetition in the poem?
Answer. The poet uses repetition to emphasize the soldiers’ bravery and duty. The repeated lines, like “Theirs not to reason why,” highlight their unquestioning obedience and the gravity of their sacrifice. This technique adds rhythm and reinforces the poem’s central themes of courage and loyalty.
- Did all the soldiers make the journey back? Cite the lines from the poem that indicate the fate of the soldiers.
Answer. No, not all soldiers returned. The line “All that was left of them, left of six hundred” shows that many soldiers lost their lives during the charge.
- Why did the soldiers of the Light Brigade charge when they knew that the order was a mistake?
Answer. The soldiers were charged because they were bound by duty and discipline. They believed it was their responsibility to follow orders, even if they were wrong. Their loyalty and bravery overpowered any hesitation or fear.
- How does the poet urge us to regard the Light Brigade?
Answer. The poet urges us to honour the courage and sacrifice of the Light Brigade. He portrays them as heroes who face death fearlessly, setting an example of bravery, loyalty, and dedication to duty.
Q3. Answer the following questions in 80-100 words each.
- Does the poem glorify war, courage, and honour? Give a reason for your answer.
Answer. Yes, the poem glorifies courage and honor, but not war itself. The poet focuses on the bravery and loyalty of the soldiers rather than the violence of war. He highlights their fearless charge and unquestioning obedience despite facing certain deaths. Lines like “When can their glory fade?” celebrate their heroic deeds, urging readers to remember their sacrifice and dedication to duty. However, the poem subtly hints at the tragedy of war by acknowledging the “blunder” that led to the unnecessary loss of life.
- How does the structure, rhythm, and words used in the poem ‘The Charge of the Light Brigade’ create imagery in the mind of the reader?
Answer. The poem’s rhythm mimics the galloping of horses, creating a sense of urgency and motion. The repeated phrases emphasize the soldiers’ unwavering resolve. Words like “valley of death” and “jaws of death” paint vivid images of danger and sacrifice. The structure of short, sharp lines reflects the chaos and tension of battle, while vivid descriptions make the reader visualize the bravery and tragedy of the charge. The poem effectively captures both the heroism and horror of war.