Charge of the Light Brigade (poem)

"The Charge of the Light Brigade" is a poem by Alfred Lord Tennyson that recounts a tragic military mistake during the Battle of Balaclava in 1854, part of the Crimean War. It describes a brave but doomed cavalry charge by British soldiers into a heavily fortified Russian artillery position. The poem highlights themes of heroism, obedience, and the futility of war. Despite the soldiers’ courage, the charge led to heavy casualties, symbolizing the blind trust in leadership and the senseless loss of life in warfare. Tennyson’s lyrical language honors their bravery while also criticizing the errors that caused such tragedy.