Analysing the poem 'Charge of the Light Brigade'

The poem is written in dactylic dimeter which echoes the forceful sound of horses galloping. The ballad contains a refrain, which could highlight the inevitability or scale of the tragedy. Tennyson personifies death to create a sense of foreboding, emphasising the vicious attack the soldiers faced. Tennyson alludes to Psalm 23, perhaps to criticise those in power who did not fulfil their duty to protect. The semantic field changes from that of danger and death to that of honour, bravery and heroism in the final stanza.