The Lady of Shalott

Definition

The Lady of Shalott is a narrative poem by Alfred Lord Tennyson, published in 1832 and later revised in 1842, that tells the story of a young woman cursed to live in isolation, weaving a tapestry while observing the outside world only through a mirror. This poem embodies the themes of art, isolation, and the conflict between reality and perception, which are key features of Victorian poetry.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Lady of Shalott lives under a curse that prevents her from directly observing the outside world; she can only see it reflected in a mirror.
2. The poem reflects Tennyson's exploration of the tension between artistic creation and the desire for genuine experience.
3. The character of Lancelot, a knight from Arthurian legend, represents the allure of the outside world that ultimately leads to the Lady's tragic fate.
4. Tennyson's poem uses rich imagery and vivid descriptions to create a haunting atmosphere that emphasizes themes of beauty and despair.
5. The Lady's eventual decision to leave her tower and face reality symbolizes the struggle between duty as an artist and the longing for personal fulfillment.

Review Questions

• How does Tennyson portray the conflict between isolation and the desire for connection in The Lady of Shalott?
  • In The Lady of Shalott, Tennyson highlights the conflict between isolation and the longing for connection through the Lady's existence in her tower, where she weaves her tapestry while observing life only through a mirror. This duality emphasizes her desire to engage with the world yet remain bound by her curse. The moment she sees Lancelot and yearns for a real connection prompts her tragic decision to leave her tower, showcasing how isolation can lead to profound consequences when one seeks genuine experiences.
• Analyze the significance of mirrors as symbols in The Lady of Shalott and how they relate to Victorian themes.
  • In The Lady of Shalott, mirrors serve as powerful symbols representing both reflection and distortion. They allow the Lady to view the outside world without participating in it, emphasizing her role as an observer rather than an active participant. This relates to broader Victorian themes regarding the nature of art and reality; while art can reflect life beautifully, it can also create a separation from true experiences. The ultimate shattering of this mirror signifies a break from passive observation into active engagement with reality, which is fraught with danger.
• Evaluate how The Lady of Shalott reflects Victorian ideals about women and artistic expression during its time.
  • The Lady of Shalott encapsulates Victorian ideals about women by portraying them as delicate figures confined by societal expectations. The Lady’s curse can be seen as a metaphor for the restrictions placed on women in Victorian society—expected to fulfill certain roles without pursuing personal desires. Simultaneously, her artistic expression through weaving symbolizes women's creative potential; however, it is stifled by isolation. Tennyson's poem ultimately critiques these societal norms by illustrating that genuine artistic fulfillment requires engagement with life itself, despite its risks.

Related terms

Arthurian Legend: A collection of stories and myths centered around King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table, often exploring themes of chivalry, romance, and tragedy.

Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood: A group of English painters, poets, and critics founded in 1848 who sought to return to the detail, intense colors, and complex compositions of pre-Renaissance art.

Symbolism:

The use of symbols to signify ideas and qualities by giving them symbolic meanings that are different from their literal sense, often seen in Victorian literature.