War poetry reveals the brutal realities behind the heroic myths... Show more
SociologySign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
14
0
E
Ella Rust
08/12/2025
English Literature
Power and conflict flash cards
806
•
8 Dec 2025
•
Power and Conflict Poetry Flashcards for AQA English
E
Ella Rust
@llaust_dqk46jj7sw2u0
1 / 10
The Charge of the Light Brigade by Alfred Lord Tennyson
Ever wonder how propaganda can turn military disasters into heroic stories? This Victorian poem does exactly that, transforming a catastrophic cavalry charge into a celebration of bravery.
The poem follows 600 British soldiers riding straight into cannon fire during the Crimean War. Tennyson uses powerful metaphors like "valley of death" and "jaws of death" to show the soldiers are trapped, surrounded by danger on all sides. The repetition of "cannon" creates a thunderous sound that mirrors the chaos of battle.
Written as a ballad, the poem's rhythm mimics marching soldiers or galloping horses. The semantic field of weather ("thundered", "stormed") makes the battle feel like a natural disaster - loud, chaotic, and unstoppable.
Key insight: This was the first "media war" - the public knew about military mistakes, so Tennyson wrote this poem to calm anger and glorify the soldiers' sacrifice.
Kamikaze by Beatrice Garland
What happens when a pilot can't bring himself to die for his country? This 2013 poem explores the devastating consequences of choosing life over "honour" in WWII Japan.
The poem tells the story of a kamikaze pilot who turned back from his suicide mission, drawn by memories of the "green-blue translucent sea" and natural beauty. The metaphor of a "one way journey into history" shows how his sacrifice would have made him immortal - but his choice to live makes him invisible instead.
The structure uses lots of enjambment as the pilot remembers what he has to live for. Yet when he returns home, his family shuns him because of cultural expectations. The daughter speaking wonders if death might have been "the better way to die" - he's metaphorically dead anyway.
Cultural context: Kamikaze pilots were seen as honourable martyrs in Japanese culture, making his survival a source of shame rather than relief.
Bayonet Charge by Ted Hughes
Picture yourself sprinting across no man's land with bullets flying past - that's exactly where Hughes drops you in this intense war poem.
The poem captures a WWI soldier running through the battlefield, suddenly questioning why he's fighting. Hughes wrote this as a tribute to his father who fought in WWI, wanting to highlight the brutality of trench warfare as a warning for future generations.
The chaotic structure with lots of enjambment mirrors the panic and confusion of war. The soldier's terror drives him forward like "touchy dynamite" - the alliteration suggests he's about to lose control completely.
Hughes' mission: He wanted to memorialise war's horrors so future generations would understand the true cost of conflict.
Bayonet Charge - Key Analysis
The most striking image is "bullets smacking the belly out of the air" - this violent metaphor makes the atmosphere feel suffocating and brutal. It's as if the air itself is being wounded, making breathing impossible.
The harsh sounds throughout the poem transport you straight onto the battlefield. You can almost hear the gunfire and explosions that surround the terrified soldier.
"Fear is his weapon" shows how terror, not courage, drives the soldier forward. The final image of "touchy dynamite" suggests he's about to explode from the pressure - either literally or mentally.
Bayonet Charge - The Soldier's Awakening
The opening line "suddenly he awoke and was running" creates a dynamic start that throws you straight into the action. This isn't literal waking up - it's a metaphor for realisation, showing the soldier suddenly understanding the true reality of war.
The dropped line about "king, honour, human dignity etcetera" reveals how quickly noble reasons for fighting become meaningless "luxuries" in actual combat. There's literally no place for these beliefs when you're fighting for your life.
The soldier appears to have abandoned everything he once believed in. The brutal reality of war has stripped away all his previous motivations to fight.
Reality check: The poem shows how the noble ideals used to recruit soldiers crumble when faced with actual violence and terror.
The Prelude by William Wordsworth
Ever felt completely overwhelmed by nature's power? Wordsworth captures that exact moment when the natural world makes you feel tiny and insignificant.
This Romantic poem follows a young person who steals a boat for a night-time row. Initially, everything seems magical with "glittering" and "sparkling" light imagery portraying nature as beautiful and wondrous. But then a huge mountain appears, changing everything.
Written as a dramatic monologue, the poem has a regular rhythm that reflects nature's unchanging power. The repetition of "huge" shows the speaker's temporary loss for words - they're completely overwhelmed by what they're witnessing.
The Sublime: This Romantic concept describes nature being so powerful it makes humans feel insignificant - exactly what happens here.
The Prelude - Nature's Judgement
The basic vocabulary when describing the mountain ("huge peak, black") shows how the speaker loses their sophisticated language when faced with nature's awesome power. They're reduced to simple, fearful observations.
"Led by her" personifies nature as a guide, but this guidance becomes threatening rather than comforting. The mountain seems to judge the speaker for stealing the boat.
"With trembling oars I turned" reveals how deeply affected and frightened the speaker becomes. The experience "troubles his dreams" long afterwards - nature has permanently changed how he sees his place in the world.
Lasting impact: The encounter doesn't just scare the speaker in the moment - it fundamentally shifts their understanding of their own insignificance.
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
Most popular content: War Poetry
Most popular content in English Literature
Most popular content
Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
Power and Conflict Poetry Flashcards for AQA English
E
Ella Rust
@llaust_dqk46jj7sw2u0
War poetry reveals the brutal realities behind the heroic myths of battle. These poems explore how soldiers face impossible choices, the devastating impact on families, and the overwhelming power of forces beyond our control.
The Charge of the Light Brigade by Alfred Lord Tennyson
Ever wonder how propaganda can turn military disasters into heroic stories? This Victorian poem does exactly that, transforming a catastrophic cavalry charge into a celebration of bravery.
The poem follows 600 British soldiers riding straight into cannon fire during the Crimean War. Tennyson uses powerful metaphors like "valley of death" and "jaws of death" to show the soldiers are trapped, surrounded by danger on all sides. The repetition of "cannon" creates a thunderous sound that mirrors the chaos of battle.
Written as a ballad, the poem's rhythm mimics marching soldiers or galloping horses. The semantic field of weather ("thundered", "stormed") makes the battle feel like a natural disaster - loud, chaotic, and unstoppable.
Key insight: This was the first "media war" - the public knew about military mistakes, so Tennyson wrote this poem to calm anger and glorify the soldiers' sacrifice.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Kamikaze by Beatrice Garland
What happens when a pilot can't bring himself to die for his country? This 2013 poem explores the devastating consequences of choosing life over "honour" in WWII Japan.
The poem tells the story of a kamikaze pilot who turned back from his suicide mission, drawn by memories of the "green-blue translucent sea" and natural beauty. The metaphor of a "one way journey into history" shows how his sacrifice would have made him immortal - but his choice to live makes him invisible instead.
The structure uses lots of enjambment as the pilot remembers what he has to live for. Yet when he returns home, his family shuns him because of cultural expectations. The daughter speaking wonders if death might have been "the better way to die" - he's metaphorically dead anyway.
Cultural context: Kamikaze pilots were seen as honourable martyrs in Japanese culture, making his survival a source of shame rather than relief.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Bayonet Charge by Ted Hughes
Picture yourself sprinting across no man's land with bullets flying past - that's exactly where Hughes drops you in this intense war poem.
The poem captures a WWI soldier running through the battlefield, suddenly questioning why he's fighting. Hughes wrote this as a tribute to his father who fought in WWI, wanting to highlight the brutality of trench warfare as a warning for future generations.
The chaotic structure with lots of enjambment mirrors the panic and confusion of war. The soldier's terror drives him forward like "touchy dynamite" - the alliteration suggests he's about to lose control completely.
Hughes' mission: He wanted to memorialise war's horrors so future generations would understand the true cost of conflict.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Bayonet Charge - Key Analysis
The most striking image is "bullets smacking the belly out of the air" - this violent metaphor makes the atmosphere feel suffocating and brutal. It's as if the air itself is being wounded, making breathing impossible.
The harsh sounds throughout the poem transport you straight onto the battlefield. You can almost hear the gunfire and explosions that surround the terrified soldier.
"Fear is his weapon" shows how terror, not courage, drives the soldier forward. The final image of "touchy dynamite" suggests he's about to explode from the pressure - either literally or mentally.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Bayonet Charge - The Soldier's Awakening
The opening line "suddenly he awoke and was running" creates a dynamic start that throws you straight into the action. This isn't literal waking up - it's a metaphor for realisation, showing the soldier suddenly understanding the true reality of war.
The dropped line about "king, honour, human dignity etcetera" reveals how quickly noble reasons for fighting become meaningless "luxuries" in actual combat. There's literally no place for these beliefs when you're fighting for your life.
The soldier appears to have abandoned everything he once believed in. The brutal reality of war has stripped away all his previous motivations to fight.
Reality check: The poem shows how the noble ideals used to recruit soldiers crumble when faced with actual violence and terror.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
The Prelude by William Wordsworth
Ever felt completely overwhelmed by nature's power? Wordsworth captures that exact moment when the natural world makes you feel tiny and insignificant.
This Romantic poem follows a young person who steals a boat for a night-time row. Initially, everything seems magical with "glittering" and "sparkling" light imagery portraying nature as beautiful and wondrous. But then a huge mountain appears, changing everything.
Written as a dramatic monologue, the poem has a regular rhythm that reflects nature's unchanging power. The repetition of "huge" shows the speaker's temporary loss for words - they're completely overwhelmed by what they're witnessing.
The Sublime: This Romantic concept describes nature being so powerful it makes humans feel insignificant - exactly what happens here.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
The Prelude - Nature's Judgement
The basic vocabulary when describing the mountain ("huge peak, black") shows how the speaker loses their sophisticated language when faced with nature's awesome power. They're reduced to simple, fearful observations.
"Led by her" personifies nature as a guide, but this guidance becomes threatening rather than comforting. The mountain seems to judge the speaker for stealing the boat.
"With trembling oars I turned" reveals how deeply affected and frightened the speaker becomes. The experience "troubles his dreams" long afterwards - nature has permanently changed how he sees his place in the world.
Lasting impact: The encounter doesn't just scare the speaker in the moment - it fundamentally shifts their understanding of their own insignificance.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
14
Smart Tools NEW
Transform this note into: ✓ 50+ Practice Questions ✓ Interactive Flashcards ✓ Full Mock Exam ✓ Essay Outlines
Mock Exam
Quiz
Flashcards
Essay
Most popular content: War Poetry
Most popular content in English Literature
Most popular content
Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user