Whether it is a parent, a teacher, or a coach, all those they guide trust in their wisdom, even if deep down their instinct tells them not to do it. That’s exactly what the six hundred did. They had been trained to follow orders and their leader was in this position of authority for good reason, just like a child or student would to their parents and teachers. Additionally, when Tennyson mentions cannons firing in all directions, it symbolizes the difficulties people face in life. The first time these lines are spoken, it reads “Cannon before them,” in line 20, while the second time it says “Cannon behind them.” Early instances mean that whatever the problem is, it's about to be solved no matter what. “Cannon behind them” shows that whatever the difficulty, it has now passed or is “behind” the reader. These two quotes aren't close to each other for good reason; it means that honorable things are not easy. Not all six hundred men survived the battle, but those who fought hard and smart were able to put the cannons behind them and emerge from the tribulation a newer, stronger, wiser person; just like when, in today's society, we overcome any challenge that comes our way