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Death Quote by Alfred Tennyson

“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. Forward, the Light Brigade!" Was there a man dismay'd? Not tho' the soldier knew Some one…” quote by Alfred Tennyson
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““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. 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. 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. 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 the six hundred. Cannon to right of them, Cannon to left of them, Cannon behind them Volley'd and thunder'd; Storm'd at with shot and shell, While horse and hero fell, They that had fought so well Came thro' the jaws of Death, Back from the mouth of hell, All that was left of them, Left of six hundred. When can their glory fade? O the wild charge they made! All the world wonder'd. Honor the charge they made! Honor the Light Brigade, Noble six hundred!””

Alfred Tennyson

About This Quote

Source Poem: "The Charge of the Light Brigade", 1854

The poem glorifies heroic obedience despite futile orders, highlighting the tragedy of blind duty.

In simple terms: Blind obedience leads to tragic loss.

Key Takeaway

Question orders critically, even when heroic.

Themes

war heroism obedience tragedy

Mood

somber reflective

Type

historical literary

When to use this quote

  • military training
  • leadership seminars
  • historical analysis
  • ethics courses

Key Concepts

military hierarchy courage futility

Questions to Reflect On

  • When should soldiers refuse unjust commands?
  • How does glorifying sacrifice affect future conflicts?
A Different Perspective

Blind loyalty can cause unnecessary sacrifice.

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