Loyalty
The poem portrays the soldiers of the Light Brigade as being fully aware of the futility of their attack. In the second stanza, it's clear they recognized that their charge was due to a mistake, not a well-thought-out strategy. But what is a soldier to do when orders seem flawed? Officers are trained to devise strategies, while soldiers are trained to carry them out. Often, the tasks soldiers undertake may appear pointless to them, as they lack the full context of ongoing events and are unaware of the army's larger goals or how a specific order fits into the overall plan. Sometimes, soldiers must face near-certain death, believing their actions will serve a greater purpose they cannot see. The core of military training is the ability to follow orders without question. However, in this poem, that trust is missing—the cavalrymen clearly understand that their charge holds no hidden benefit. Tennyson doesn't imply they guessed or suspected an error; he asserts they were aware. With no gain from the charge and certain death as the consequence, it would seem rational for the soldiers to disobey.
Yet, Tennyson depicts these obedient soldiers as heroes. In a society that values independent thought and prioritizes reason, the heroism of these men can be hard to grasp. There's no question about their bravery as they charge into danger, but such seemingly senseless courage, comparable to stepping in front of a speeding train, doesn't justify the level of praise Tennyson gives the Light Brigade. Military society, however, differs from civilian society; it doesn't place reason and independence above all else. It values loyalty. By suggesting there's no logical reason for these soldiers to be loyal to their erring leaders, Tennyson actually underscores the essence of their heroism. Their loyalty is steadfast, regardless of logic. Their loyalty is pure, untainted by other considerations.
Pride
When writing for a civilian audience about an important military victory, it's straightforward to inspire pride in their armed forces. Interestingly, Tennyson achieves this same sense of pride despite focusing on a clear and undeniable failure. In 1854, he had the advantage of tapping into British nationalism, which often leads people to support their country without question. During wartime, this sense of nationalism can grow immensely. At the time, British citizens were enthusiastic supporters of the Crimean War, the setting for Tennyson's poem. By using phrases like "Boldly they rode, and well," he could evoke pride in the troops. Although the audience knew that the Light Brigade's charge was ultimately futile, this awareness may have made them even more receptive to the poem's heroic tone. For over a century, readers worldwide have responded to the bravery of the Light Brigade, and the poem continues to inspire pride across generations.
A significant part of the poem's emotional impact on readers unfamiliar with the Crimean War comes from Tennyson's masterful use of language. Victorian readers were already aware of the doomed fate of the Light Brigade before the poem was written, and Tennyson makes this clear to everyone by the second stanza. It's similar to a magician revealing a trick yet still managing to amaze the audience. Even with the soldiers' fate known, no one could foresee how poignantly Tennyson would portray them. He combines dynamic action with vivid imagery, using words like "volleyed," "thundered," "plunged," "reeled," and "stormed." While he minimizes the details of the soldiers they fought, he repeatedly uses phrases such as "valley of Death" twice in the first stanza, followed by "jaws of Death" and "mouth of Hell." He highlights the presence of cannons. Human nature often sympathizes with the underdog,...
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at least to the extent that their struggle adds intrigue to the conflict. Tennyson transforms this sympathy into pride by emphasizing the hopelessness of their situation. Throughout the poem, readers are moved to hope that this inevitable defeat will hold some significance. In the final stanza, after stirring the reader's emotions, the poem's speaker directly addresses the audience: "Honor the charge they made!"
Heroism and Valor
“The Charge of the Light Brigade” stands as a stirring testament to the indomitable spirit of soldiers who willingly submit to a greater cause, demonstrating valor and unwavering trust in their leadership. Tennyson captures this essence, focusing on the technical prowess and courage of these men who, despite the looming threat, place their faith in their commanders and advance into battle. This deep-seated loyalty and courage are mirrored in another of Tennyson’s works, Idylls of the King, where King Arthur’s knights pledge their devotion, proclaiming, “The King will follow Christ, and we the King/ In whom high God hath breathed a sacred thing.” Such expressions reflect a blend of monarchist ideals and military discipline, emphasizing the nobility of following a divinely appointed leader.
In the face of daunting odds, the soldiers of the Light Brigade charge forward into a valley dominated by enemy gunfire, upholding their duty with remarkable bravery. Their actions, driven by the belief in the mission's significance to the success of the British campaign, highlight a profound commitment to their orders. Tennyson aptly underscores that such acts of courage are worthy of eternal homage, insisting that the heroism displayed by these soldiers demands unending recognition and respect.
Universality of Military Courage
The theme of military courage resonates across cultures and eras, capturing the universal admiration for bravery on the battlefield. In the classic novel War and Peace (1865-1869), Leo Tolstoy extols the valor of Russian soldiers who stood resolutely against Napoleon's forces, epitomizing the noble spirit of defending one's homeland. This celebration of courage is not confined to Russian literature alone; it finds echoes in the works of diverse authors who highlight the indomitable human spirit.
Soviet dissident and writer Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn continues this tradition in August 1914 (1971, revised 1983), where he pays homage to the Russian soldiers at the Battle of the Tannenburg Forest. Solzhenitsyn's narrative captures the tragic yet heroic essence of these men, adding a poignant layer to the tapestry of military valor. His portrayal of their courage amidst overwhelming adversity reflects the broader human struggle where sacrifice and duty interlace.
American literature, too, is alive with tales of such bravery. Ernest Hemingway, renowned for his stark prose, often turns his gaze to the battlefield. In his stories, Hemingway celebrates both soldiers and civilians who confront their fates with unflinching resolve. His characters embody a universal heroism, confronting mortality with a blend of fear and courage that transcends cultural boundaries.
Obedience and Questionable Orders
The infamous charge of the Light Brigade during the Crimean War illustrates a complex interplay between duty and folly. While some might argue that the soldiers' compliance with such a disastrous command was foolhardy, Alfred Lord Tennyson challenges this perspective. He contends that the essence of heroism lies not in questioning orders but in the unwavering loyalty and bravery displayed by soldiers in the face of certain peril. Tennyson’s poem, "The Charge of the Light Brigade," reflects this sentiment, offering a critique of the British military leadership without diminishing the valor of the troops tasked with executing their orders.
The light brigade's charge, a product of miscommunication and strategic blunder, became a symbol of military mismanagement. Tennyson’s work aligns with the critical tone of the London Times editorial of the era, which condemned the errors of the generals. However, his focus remains on honoring the courage of the soldiers, who carried out their duty despite the fatal consequences. This narrative underscores an enduring debate over the wisdom of obeying orders, a theme that resonates in various historical contexts, including the American reaction to the Vietnam War. Such instances prompt reflection on the demands placed upon individuals to adhere to potentially flawed government policies, reminding us of the timeless struggle between obedience and reason.
