“The Lady of Shalott” by Alfred Lord Tennyson “The Lady of Shalott” • This poem focuses on the life of an artist who is represented by the Lady of Shalott. To attain perfection in her art, she sacrifices a great deal. When the world presents a temptation for her to leave her artistic seclusion and experience real life, she is lost. Tennyson realizes the price of this devotion to the ideal and the results of forsaking experiences that are part of our world. Meaning • She has heard a whisper say, A curse is on her if she stay To look down to Camelot. • What is the significance of these lines? Meaning • And moving thro’ a mirror clear That hangs before her all the year, Shadows of the world appear. • What is the significance of these lines? Meaning • “I am half sick of shadows,” said The Lady of Shalott. • What is the significance of these lines? Theme • What is theme of this poem? Form and Style • This poem is an allegory, a narrative with a second distinct meaning partially hidden behind its literal or visible meaning. There is a continuous parallel between two or more levels of meaning in the story. If the lady of Shalott is the artist, and Shalott is the artist’s shadow world, decide what the following could represent: • A) Camelot • B) Lancelot • C) the web (the tapestry on whcih the Lady works) • D) the mirror • E) the Lady’s death Form and Style • In Part III of the poem, the mood and tone change dramatically. • Identify specific lines, rhythms, and images that illustrate the shift. • In this section, how effective are – – – – word choice subject focus colour references changes in lyrical rhythm Connecting • Of the four visuals on page 90, which has the most energy? How is this energy projected? Consider the perspective, use of colour, body language, facial expressions, etc. • Which of the four visuals best suits the mood of the entire poem? • Which of the four visuals best reflects the main theme of the poem?