Pranshu's English Classroom (CBSE)

Background of the Poem  The poem was written by  Alfred, Lord Tennyson . It was published in  1854 . It is based on a real battle called the  Battle of Balaclava . Tennyson wrote the poem to  honour the courage  of the soldiers. The poem reminds people to remember and respect their sacrifice.   Summary  The poem is about 600 British soldiers called the Light Brigade. They fought in the Crimean War . The soldiers were ordered to charge at the enemy. The order was a mistake , but the soldiers did not question it. They rode into the “valley of death” . Cannons fired at them from the front and both sides. Many soldiers were killed, but they fought bravely. They attacked the enemy with swords. Some soldiers returned, but many did not. The world praised and honoured their bravery and sacrifice . Perspective (Point of View) The poem is written in the third person . The poet describes what the soldiers did and how b...

   Summary  The Scarlet Pimpernel is a brave Englishman who secretly helps French nobles escape from France. He sends a warning note signed with a red flower called the Scarlet Pimpernel. Sergeant Bibot is a proud guard who thinks he cannot be fooled. Bibot tells people how another guard, Grospierre, was tricked by the Scarlet Pimpernel. The Scarlet Pimpernel once escaped by hiding a noble family in a cart of barrels. Later, Bibot himself is fooled by an old woman with a cart. The woman pretends her grandson has smallpox, so Bibot lets her pass. The old woman is actually the Scarlet Pimpernel in disguise. She helps the Countess of Tournay and her children escape safely. Bibot realizes too late that he has been fooled. Characters The Scarlet Pimpernel A brave and kind Englishman Helps innocent French nobles escape Very clever and good at disguises Always fools the guards Sergeant Bibot A French guard at the city gate Proud ...

 Summary in Points The poem mourns the disappearance of natural cranes (birds) that once danced gracefully in the open countryside. These birds have been replaced by mechanical cranes used for construction and urban development. The poet contrasts the beauty and life-giving energy of nature with the destructive forces of modernisation. The dance of the cranes symbolised fertility, renewal and harmony with nature. Now, only blurred and grainy video recordings remain as evidence of what once existed. The poem warns that unchecked development leads to irreversible environmental loss. The poet expresses regret and sadness over humanity’s role in destroying natural beauty. Background of the Poem  The poem was written in the context of rapid urbanisation and industrial development . Natural habitats of birds and animals were being destroyed for construction. Mechanical cranes replaced natural cranes in the landscape. Growing environmental concerns ...