Edexcel GCSE English Literature

The Charge of the Light Brigade

Edexcel GCSE English Literature revision on The Charge of the Light Brigade. Aligned to the Edexcel GCSE English Literature 1ET0 specification. This bank has 13 practice questions on this topic.

About this topic

I Half a league, half a league, Half a league onward, All in the valley of Death Rode the six hundred. "Forward, the Light Brigade! Charge for the guns!" he said. Into the valley of Death Rode the six hundred. II "Forward, the Light Brigade!" Was there a man dismay'd? Not tho' the soldier knew Some one had blunder'd: Theirs not to make reply, Theirs not to reason why, Theirs but to do and die: Into the valley of Death Rode the six hundred. III Cannon to right of them, Cannon to left of them, Cannon in front of them Volley'd and thunder'd; Storm'd at with shot and shell, Boldly they rode and well, Into the jaws of Death, Into the mouth of Hell Rode the six hundred. IV Flash'd all their sabres bare, Flash'd as they turn'd in air, Sabring the gunners there, Charging an army, while All the world wonder'd: Plunged in the battery-smoke Right thro' the line they broke; Cossack and Russian Reel'd from the sabre stroke Shatter'd and sunder'd. Then they rode back, but not Not …

Sample questions (3 of 13)

  1. Question 1

    What literary technique does the writer use in: 'Into the jaws of Death'?

    • A) Simile
    • B) Personification
    • C) Oxymoron
    • D) Hyperbole
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    Answer: Personification

    By describing Death as a beast with jaws, Tennyson creates a vivid, terrifying image of the soldiers being consumed by the battle. This personification emphasises the inevitability and predatory nature of their fate.

  2. Question 2

    What theme is most developed by: 'Theirs not to make reply, / Theirs not to reason why'?

    • A) Individualism
    • B) Duty and obedience
    • C) Rebellion
    • D) Political corruption
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    Answer: Duty and obedience

    These lines emphasise the Victorian ideal of military discipline. The soldiers are portrayed as instruments of the state who must follow commands without hesitation or critical thought.

  3. Question 3

    In which stanza does this quote appear: 'All the world wonder'd'?

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    Answer: Stanza 3

    The phrase 'All the world wonder'd' appears in the third stanza. It serves as a pivot point, suggesting both admiration for their courage and bewilderment at the tactical error of the command.

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