The phrase “Ours Is Not To Reason Why” is immortalized in Alfred, Lord Tennyson’s poem, “The Charge of the Light Brigade.” This powerful line encapsulates the complex themes of duty, obedience, and the harsh realities of war. It invites us to delve into the mindset of soldiers commanded to charge into the “valley of Death,” questioning not their orders, but fulfilling them with unwavering resolve.
In the poem, this line appears in the second stanza, emphasizing the soldiers’ awareness of a blunder within the command structure:
“Forward, the Light Brigade!”
Was there a man dismayed?
Not though the soldier knew
Someone had blundered.
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.
Despite the palpable sense that “someone had blundered,” the Light Brigade does not falter. “Theirs not to reason why,” highlights a deeply ingrained military ethos of obedience. Soldiers are trained to follow orders, and in this context, questioning the command is deemed secondary to the execution of duty. The line speaks to the sacrifice inherent in military service, where personal judgment is subjugated to the demands of command.
The poem continues to depict the brutal reality of their charge:
Cannon to right of them,
Cannon to left of them,
Cannon in front of them
Volleyed and thundered;
Stormed at with shot and shell,
Boldly they rode and well,
Into the jaws of Death,
Into the mouth of hell
Rode the six hundred.
This imagery underscores the perilous situation faced by the brigade. Yet, their courage remains steadfast. “Ours is not to reason why” becomes a poignant reflection on their valor, highlighting their commitment to duty even in the face of almost certain death. The poem is not necessarily an endorsement of blind obedience, but rather a powerful portrayal of the soldiers’ experience and the tragic consequences of war. It compels reflection on the nature of duty, the cost of obedience, and the bravery displayed even when facing questionable commands. Tennyson’s verses serve as a lasting tribute to the Light Brigade and a somber meditation on the realities of conflict.
