Question 1: What historical event does the poem depict, and how does Tennyson portray the soldiers' bravery?

Answer: The poem depicts the Battle of Balaclava during the Crimean War, and Tennyson portrays the soldiers as brave and noble despite the tragic outcome.

Question 2: Identify two themes present in the poem and briefly explain their significance.

Answer: Themes include heroism and sacrifice, emphasizing the soldiers' courage, and the futility of war, highlighting the tragic loss.

Question 1: Analyze the line: 'Theirs not to reason why, / Theirs but to do and die.' What does this suggest about the soldiers' role and the poet's view?

Answer: It suggests the soldiers had no choice or questioning authority; they obeyed orders without doubt, emphasizing the tragic heroism and possibly criticizing blind obedience.

Question 2: Quote explosion: Find a line that illustrates the chaos of battle and analyze its language choices.

Answer: Line: 'Cannon to right of them, / Cannon to left of them, / Cannon in front of them.' The repetition and placement create a vivid image of encirclement and chaos, emphasizing the peril faced by soldiers.

Question 1: Find and analyze a metaphor used in the poem that highlights the soldiers' bravery or the nature of war.

Answer: The line 'Into the valley of Death / Rode the six hundred' uses metaphor to depict the battlefield as a dangerous, deathly place, emphasizing the peril and heroism.

Question 2: Identify a simile in the poem and discuss its effect on the reader.

Answer: The simile 'Flash'd all their sabres bare, / Flash'd as they turn'd in air' creates a vivid visual of the soldiers' courage and movement, inspiring admiration.

Question 1: Discuss how the theme of heroism is conveyed in the poem. Provide specific examples.

Answer: Heroism is conveyed through the noble language, repeated references to 'noble six hundred,' and the portrayal of soldiers as brave despite the tragic outcome.

Question 2: How does the poem reflect Victorian attitudes towards war and duty? Use evidence from the poem in your answer.

Answer: The poem depicts war as noble and glorious, aligning with Victorian ideals of duty and patriotism, as seen in the praise of the soldiers' bravery.

Question 1: Briefly outline the main similarities and differences in how both poems depict the theme of power.

Answer: Both poems explore the nature of power; 'Ozymandias' shows the futility of human pride and the impermanence of power, while 'The Charge' depicts heroic but tragic displays of military power. The tone in 'Ozymandias' is more reflective, contrasting with the patriotic tone of 'The Charge'.

Question 1: Using evidence from the poem, analyze how the structure (e.g., repetition, stanza form) emphasizes the poem's themes.

Answer: The poem's regular stanza structure and repetitive phrases like 'Theirs not to reason why' reinforce the relentless, unquestioning nature of duty. The rhythmic pattern mirrors the marching of soldiers, creating a sense of order and heroism, while the refrain emphasizes the tragic sacrifice. This structure guides the reader to view heroism as noble but tragic, highlighting the costs of obedience and war.