Question

read the following excerpt from alfred lord tennysons the charge of the light brigade and answer the questions. 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 dismayd? not tho the soldier knew someone had blunderd. 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. 9. what is the main theme of the charge of the light brigade? a. the futility of war b. heroism and sacrifice c. the importance of strategy d. victory in battle

Explanation:

To determine the main theme, analyze the excerpt: The soldiers ride "into the valley of Death" without questioning ("Theirs not to reason why, / Theirs but to do and die"), showing bravery in the face of sacrifice. Option a (futility) is less supported as the focus is on their heroic action, not war's pointlessness. Option c (strategy) is irrelevant as the soldiers follow orders without strategic input. Option d (victory) is incorrect as the excerpt emphasizes the charge, not victory. Thus, the theme is heroism and sacrifice.

Answer:

b. Heroism and sacrifice