Remains vs Charge of the Light Brigade: AQA Power and Conflict Poetry Comparison (Grade 9 Guide)
Introduction
Remains by Simon Armitage and Charge of the Light Brigade by Alfred Lord Tennyson both explore war, power, and the experiences of soldiers, but they present these ideas in very different ways. Armitage focuses on the psychological impact of conflict on an individual soldier, while Tennyson presents a collective, heroic portrayal of soldiers obeying orders. Together, the poems reveal both the glory and the reality of war, suggesting that beneath ideas of honour lies significant human cost.
Quick Comparison Summary
| Theme | Remains | Charge of the Light Brigade |
|---|---|---|
| War | Modern, personal conflict | Historical, collective battle |
| Power | Power to take life | Power of command |
| Identity | Shaped by guilt | Defined by duty |
| Tone | Conversational, disturbing | Dramatic, patriotic |
| Structure | Fragmented narrative | Rhythmic, repetitive |
Similarity 1: Both poems explore the realities of war
In Remains, the speaker describes killing a man who was “probably armed, possibly not”, highlighting uncertainty and moral conflict.
In Charge of the Light Brigade, war is dangerous and chaotic, shown through “Into the valley of Death”.
Grade 9 Comparison Point:
Both poets show that war is dangerous and destructive.
Similarity 2: Both poems explore power and control
In Remains, the soldier has the power to take life, but this leads to guilt.
In Charge of the Light Brigade, soldiers are controlled by authority: “Theirs not to reason why”.
Grade 9 Comparison Point:
Both poems show that power in war is complex and often problematic.
Similarity 3: Both poems explore the role of the soldier
In Remains, the soldier is deeply affected by his actions.
In Charge of the Light Brigade, soldiers act collectively and heroically.
Grade 9 Comparison Point:
Both poets show soldiers shaped by war, but in different ways.
Difference 1: Presentation of war
Remains
War is chaotic, personal, and psychologically damaging.
Charge of the Light Brigade
War is dramatic and honourable.
Grade 9 Comparison Point:
Armitage reveals the reality of war, while Tennyson presents a more heroic view.
Difference 2: Perspective
Remains
First-person voice.
Charge of the Light Brigade
Third-person collective voice.
Grade 9 Comparison Point:
Armitage creates intimacy, while Tennyson creates distance.
Difference 3: Structure
Remains
- Free verse
- Enjambment
- Shifts in time
Charge of the Light Brigade
- Regular rhythm
- Repetition
- Ballad style
Grade 9 Comparison Point:
Armitage reflects psychological instability, while Tennyson reflects order and control.
Key Quotes Comparison Table
| Remains | Charge of the Light Brigade |
|---|---|
| “probably armed, possibly not” | “Theirs not to reason why” |
| “his bloody life in my bloody hands” | “Into the valley of Death” |
| “blood-shadow stays” | “Cannon to right of them” |
| “won’t flush him out” | “Honour the Light Brigade” |
Context Comparison
Remains
- Based on Iraq War experiences.
- Focus on PTSD and trauma.
Charge of the Light Brigade
- Based on Crimean War.
- Reflects Victorian values of duty and honour.
Exam Question 1
Compare how poets present the experiences of soldiers in Remains and Charge of the Light Brigade.
Grade 9 Model Response
Both Armitage and Tennyson present the experiences of soldiers in war, but they offer contrasting perspectives that highlight different aspects of conflict. In Remains, Armitage presents the soldier’s experience as deeply personal and psychologically damaging. The conversational tone and first-person voice create a sense of immediacy, allowing the reader to engage directly with the speaker’s thoughts. The line “probably armed, possibly not” introduces moral uncertainty, suggesting that the soldier is unsure whether his actions were justified. This ambiguity reflects the chaotic nature of modern warfare, where clear distinctions between right and wrong are often blurred. Furthermore, the repeated imagery of violence, such as “his bloody life in my bloody hands”, emphasises the lasting psychological impact of the event, showing that the experience of war continues long after the physical conflict has ended.
In contrast, Tennyson presents the soldiers in Charge of the Light Brigade as a unified and heroic group. The repeated use of collective pronouns such as “Theirs” removes individual identity, emphasising duty over personal experience. The line “Theirs not to reason why, / Theirs but to do and die” highlights the expectation that soldiers obey orders without question, reinforcing the idea of discipline and honour. However, there is also an underlying critique of leadership, as the charge is the result of a mistake. This suggests that while the soldiers are portrayed as brave, they are also victims of flawed authority.
Structurally, Armitage uses enjambment and irregular form to reflect the fragmented and ongoing nature of trauma, while Tennyson uses a strong, rhythmic structure to mimic the movement of the charge and create a sense of momentum. This contrast reinforces the difference between personal experience and collective action.
Therefore, both poets present soldiers as shaped by war, but Armitage focuses on the lasting psychological damage, while Tennyson emphasises bravery and duty within a collective identity.
Exam Question 2
Compare how poets present power in Remains and Charge of the Light Brigade.
Grade 9 Model Response
Both poems explore power in the context of war, but they present it in contrasting ways that reveal its complexity. In Remains, power is shown as the ability to take life, but this power comes with significant consequences. The soldier’s decision to shoot is influenced by the group—“I see every round as it rips through his life”—suggesting that power is shared but also diffused. The lack of certainty in “probably armed, possibly not” highlights that this power is unstable and morally ambiguous. Rather than feeling empowered, the speaker is haunted by his actions, suggesting that power in war can lead to psychological damage rather than control.
In Charge of the Light Brigade, power is presented through authority and command. The soldiers themselves do not possess power; instead, it lies with those giving orders. The line “Theirs not to reason why” suggests that soldiers are expected to follow commands without question, indicating a strict hierarchy. However, the phrase “Someone had blunder’d” introduces the idea that this power is flawed. This creates tension within the poem, as the soldiers’ bravery contrasts with the failure of leadership.
Structurally, Armitage’s fragmented form reflects the instability of power at an individual level, while Tennyson’s controlled rhythm reinforces the structured nature of military command.
Therefore, both poets present power as complex and problematic. Armitage shows how it leads to personal suffering, while Tennyson highlights its role within a flawed system of authority.
Exam Question 3
Compare how poets present the consequences of war.
Grade 9 Model Response
Both Armitage and Tennyson explore the consequences of war, but they focus on different aspects of its impact. In Remains, the consequences are primarily psychological. The speaker is unable to escape the memory of his actions, as shown in “his bloody life in my bloody hands” and “the drink and the drugs won’t flush him out”. These lines suggest that the effects of war are ongoing and deeply personal, affecting the soldier’s mental state long after the event. The use of colloquial language makes this experience feel realistic and relatable, emphasising the human cost of conflict.
In Charge of the Light Brigade, the consequences of war are more immediate and collective. The repeated references to danger, such as “Cannon to right of them”, highlight the physical risks faced by the soldiers. However, the poem ends with a call to “Honour the Light Brigade”, suggesting that their sacrifice should be remembered positively. This reflects Victorian attitudes towards war, where bravery and duty were often emphasised over individual suffering.
Structurally, Armitage uses a narrative that moves between past and present to show the lasting impact of war, while Tennyson uses repetition to reinforce the scale and intensity of the battle.
Therefore, both poets show that war has significant consequences, but Armitage focuses on long-term psychological effects, while Tennyson emphasises immediate sacrifice and honour.
Further Revision Links
- AQA Power and Conflict Poetry Anthology (All 15 Poems): https://englishmadesimple.org/aqa-power-and-conflict-poetry-anthology-complete-gcse-revision-guide-all-15-poems/
- Remains – Grade 9 Guide: https://englishmadesimple.org/remains-by-simon-armitage-how-to-get-a-grade-9-aqa-gcse-english-literature/
- Charge of the Light Brigade – GCSE Poetry Guide: https://englishmadesimple.org/charge-of-the-light-brigade-by-alfred-lord-tennyson-gcse-poetry/
You might also like…
- Bayonet Charge vs Charge of the Light Brigade: https://englishmadesimple.org/bayonet-charge-vs-charge-of-the-light-brigade/
- Remains vs War Photographer: https://englishmadesimple.org/remains-vs-war-photographer/
- Exposure vs Bayonet Charge: https://englishmadesimple.org/exposure-vs-bayonet-charge/
Final Grade 9 Tip
When comparing these poems, remember: Armitage reveals the psychological reality of war, while Tennyson presents the collective bravery and sacrifice of soldiers.
