The Lady of Shallot

1
The Lady of Shallot

• February 26th

2
About the Story

• Published in 1832 by Alfred, Lord Tennyson
• Set in Arthurian England
• Often viewed as a social commentary on a womans
  place in Victorian England
• The poem is divided into 4 parts, with each
  section having a rising action and a climax
  before it ends.

3
Themes

• Isolation- We dont know why the lady was shut
  away in a castle, but we can tell that she is fed
  up with being alone
• Supernatural- The mysterious curse rules her life
  and ultimately causes her death.
• Love- The concept of unspoken love is crucial to
  the plot. Love or admiration from afar

4
Themes continued

• Art Culture- Weaving and singing keep the Lady
  of Shallot busy and occupied. Is she a lonely
  artist?
• The Natural World- The movements of nature are a
  crucial aspect of the poems rhythm. (In
  particular, the endless flowing of the river)

5
Your task

• Read, highlight, and annotate where you see
  issues of honor, knightly virtue, or chivalry
• Also, underline when you see any metaphors or
  symbols present
• Count off by 4 and each group will analyze and
  interpret one part of The Lady of Shalott