ENGLISH SPM

LITERATURE MODULE
QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS
-THE LIVING
PHOTOGRAPH
-THE CHARGE OF LIGHT
BRIGADE
-TANJUNG RHU
Poem The Charge Of The Light Brigade: Sample Questions + Answers

 -Explain what the poem is mainly about.

The poem is mainly about a battle where six hundred soldiers rode into a trap and were attacked by the
enemy on three sides. It shows the courage of these men who obeyed a command to charge even
though they knew it was a mistake.

 -What does the poem say about courage? Do you agree with what it says?

The poem describes the courage of soldiers who obeyed an order that would cause them to lose their
lives. It describes the horrific situation they faced when they were attacked on three sided by fierce
gunfire. It is saying that we should respect that kind of courage. I agree that such courage deserves
respect.

 -Describe the general tone of the poem The Charge of the Light Brigade.

The general tone of the poem is that of praise and amazement at the

courageous action of the soldiers.

 -What effect does the personification of death in line 24 have on the mood of the poem?

The personification of death helps the reader to picture the horror of the battlefield where the six
hundred soldiers were killed.

 -What effect does the repetition of ‘half a league’ have on the rhythm of the poem?

It creates a strong beat that reflects the galloping horses or marching soldiers.

 -Why is the location of this battle called ‘the valley of Death’?

It is called ‘the valley of Death’ to emphasise that it is the place where the soldiers will die in battle.

 -Whom does the pronoun ‘he’ in line 6 refer to ?

The pronoun ‘he’ refers to the leader of the six hundred soldiers.

 -What does the word ‘dismayed’ mean?

Sad and discouraged

 -How did the soldier know that someone had made a mistake?

They must have seen that the valley was surrounded by the enemy and that charging forward would
mean certain death.
  -How would you feel if you were with the six hundred men in this situation?

I would feel terrified being surrounded by the enemy and being shot at from three directions.

 -If these soldiers were your countrymen, what would you think of them?

I would honour them for their heroic action and amazing courage. What they did is beyond the call of
duty.

 -How many soldiers were involved in the battle?

600 soldiers

 -Why is it called ‘the valley of the death’?

No one will survive the battle.

 -From stanza 2, who do you think has made the mistake?

The commander/ the captain/ the leader

 -One of the consequences of war is loss of lives. State two others.

loss of money/ loss of property/ loss of home/ loss of pet/ loss of income/ loss of livelihood/ loss of jobs