Background

• A major naval battle, The battle of the Nile, was fought between the British navy ,headed by Lord
Nelson and Napolean’s French navy headed by Admiral Joseph,as it headed towards Egypt

• 1st-3rd August 1798

• The French ship, The Orient, was flanked by British ships on either side
• 2000 guns bombarded the Orient
• The crew either perished or fled
• Except for a 13 year old boy soldier, who was the son of the Admiral
• Was seen standing ,braving the nightmare alone
• Finally, a huge explosion was seen and the ship was no more

• The enormous explosion was heard from 20 miles

• The English soldiers were horrified at the carnage that took place

• For 20 minutes the guns remained silent

• They sent search boats and were able to rescue 70 French survivors

STANZA 1

In these lines poetess tells that Casabianca was standing on the board of the ship which was on fire. He was standing
alone while all others had left the ship. The flames of fire rising on all sides. These flames were shining over dead
bodies of the soldiers killed in the battle.

Stanza 2
In these lines poetess tells that the boy stood on the board of the ship inspite of burning flames. He looked very
hardsome in the light of these flames. It seemed that he was born to govern over storms. He had inherited nobility
from his fore fathers. Though he was of tender age, he looked brave and proud to carry out the command of father.

Stanza 3
In these lines poetess says that flames rushed at Casabianca. But he had resolved not to leave the place unless his
father permitted him. His father was laying dead in the lower part of the ship so his voice could be heard no more.

Stanza 4
In these lines poetess tells that the boy called his father in a loud voice. He asked whether, the duty assigned to him
was complete or not. He did not know that commander of the ship was unaware about the condition of his son.

Stanza 5
In these lines poetess tells that the boy again cried and asked his father if he could go. He wanted to say more but his
voice was drowned in the midst of heavy noise of guns and the flames rushed on very fast.

Stanza 6

In these lines poetess says that the flames rushed at the boy. He felt their heat on his fore head and in waving hair.
Though he knew, that his death was near but he stood quite and calm. He looked around him from place of death
with bold heart though he was disappointed.

Stanza 7

In these lines poetess says that the boy once again cried out in loud voice. He wanted to know if it was necessary for
him to stay there. Just then the flames rushed through sails and ropes.

Stanza 8

In these lines poetess tells that the flames surrounded the ship and covered it on all sides. They even reached the flag
which was flying very high. They also surrounded the brave boy like the flag’s shadows in the sky.

Stanza 9
In these lines poetess tells that suddenly a loud noise was heard there and no one can imagine that where the body of
brave boy was. Only the winds could say which were blowing around the boy that where was he.

Stanza 10
In these lines poetess tells that part played by mast, rudder and the flag flying on mast is praise worthy. But the
noblest thing which died there was the young obedient and disciplined heart, that was Casabianca.

• Battle – a fight between armed forces/ hostile engagement

• Storm – the ongoing war

• Chieftain - commander

• Gallant - brave
 • Fragments - pieces

• Perished - died

• Mast – the upright pole holding the sails of a ship

• Helm- the wheel that controls the direction of the ship

• Pennon fair – a long triangular flag

• Burning deck – the deck covered with flames
• Battle’s wreck – the destroyed ship

• Born to rule – fearless courage

• Heroic blood – noble ancestry

• Flames rolled on - the rapidly spreading fire

• Lone post of death – standing alone facing death

• Brave despair – courage in a hopeless situation

• Splendour wild – the raging fire

• Streamed above – the rushing fire

• Borne their part – played their part, stood strong

Theme of Poem

• Devotion to duty
• Patriotism
• Filial loyalty/implicit obedience
 • Unwavering courage
Figurative language

Simile

• “As born to rule the storm”

• “A proud, though childlike form”

• “And streamed above the gallant child like banners in the sky.

•
Metaphor

• “A creature of heroic blood”.

• “A burst of thunder sound.”

•
Personification

• “And but the booming shots replied”.

• “Upon his brow he felt their breath”.

• Wreathing fires made way.

Alliteration

● him had”

● “beautiful and bright”

● “father, faint”

● “but the booming”

● “fast the flames”

● “sail and shroud”

Onomatopoeia

• There came a burst of thunder sound—”

• “ And the booming shots replied.”