“The Lady of Shalott” by Lord Tennyson: Analysis

Part I

1. On either side the river lie
2. Long fields of barley and of rye,
3. That clothe the wold and meet the sky;
4. And thro’ the field the road runs by
5. To many-tower’d Camelot;
6. The yellow-leaved waterlily
7. The green-sheathed daffodilly
8. Tremble in the water chilly
9. Round about Shalott.

1. Willows whiten, aspens shiver.
2. The sunbeam showers break and quiver
3. In the stream that runneth ever
4. By the island in the river
5. Flowing down to Camelot.
6. Four gray walls, and four gray towers
7. Overlook a space of flowers,
8. And the silent isle imbowers
9. The Lady of Shalott.

1. Underneath the bearded barley,
2. The reaper, reaping late and early,
3. Hears her ever chanting cheerly,
4. Like an angel, singing clearly,
5. O’er the stream of Camelot.
6. Piling the sheaves in furrows airy,
7. Beneath the moon, the reaper weary
8. Listening whispers, ‘ ‘Tis the fairy,
9. Lady of Shalott.’

• The little isle is all inrail’d
• With a rose-fence, and overtrail’d
• With roses: by the marge unhail’d
• The shallop flitteth silken sail’d,
• Skimming down to Camelot.
• A pearl garland winds her head:
• She leaneth on a velvet bed,
• Full royally apparelled,
• The Lady of Shalott.

Part II

• No time hath she to sport and play:
• A charmed web she weaves alway.
• A curse is on her, if she stay
• Her weaving, either night or day,
• To look down to Camelot.
• She knows not what the curse may be;
• Therefore she weaveth steadily,
• Therefore no other care hath she,
• The Lady of Shalott.

• She lives with little joy or fear.
• Over the water, running near,
• The sheepbell tinkles in her ear.
• Before her hangs a mirror clear,
• Reflecting tower’d Camelot.
• And as the mazy web she whirls,
• She sees the surly village churls,
• And the red cloaks of market girls
• Pass onward from Shalott.

• Sometimes a troop of damsels glad,
• An abbot on an ambling pad,
• Sometimes a curly shepherd lad,
• Or long-hair’d page in crimson clad,
• Goes by to tower’d Camelot:
• And sometimes thro’ the mirror blue
• The knights come riding two and two:
• She hath no loyal knight and true,
• The Lady of Shalott.

• But in her web she still delights
• To weave the mirror’s magic sights,
• For often thro’ the silent nights
• A funeral, with plumes and lights
• And music, came from Camelot:
• Or when the moon was overhead
• Came two young lovers lately wed;
• ‘I am half sick of shadows,’ said
• The Lady of Shalott.

Part III

• A bow-shot from her bower-eaves,
• He rode between the barley-sheaves,
• The sun came dazzling thro’ the leaves,
• And flam’d upon the brazen greaves
• Of bold Sir Lancelot.
• A red-cross knight for ever kneel’d
• To a lady in his shield,
• That sparkled on the yellow field,
• Beside remote Shalott.

• The gemmy bridle glitter’d free,
• Like to some branch of stars we see
• Hung in the golden Galaxy.
• The bridle bells rang merrily
• As he rode down from Camelot:
• And from his blazon’d baldric slung
• A mighty silver bugle hung,
• And as he rode his armour rung,
• Beside remote Shalott.

• All in the blue unclouded weather
• Thick-jewell’d shone the saddle-leather,
• The helmet and the helmet-feather
• Burn’d like one burning flame together,
• As he rode down from Camelot.
• As often thro’ the purple night,
• Below the starry clusters bright,
• Some bearded meteor, trailing light,
• Moves over green Shalott.

1. His broad clear brow in sunlight glow’d;
2. On burnish’d hooves his war-horse trode;
3. From underneath his helmet flow’d
4. His coal-black curls as on he rode,
5. As he rode down from Camelot.
6. From the bank and from the river
7. He flash’d into the crystal mirror,
8. ‘Tirra lirra, tirra lirra:’
9. Sang Sir Lancelot.

1. She left the web, she left the loom
2. She made three paces thro’ the room
3. She saw the water-flower bloom,
4. She saw the helmet and the plume,
5. She look’d down to Camelot.
6. Out flew the web and floated wide;
7. The mirror crack’d from side to side;
8. ‘The curse is come upon me,’ cried
9. The Lady of Shalott.

Part IV

1. In the stormy east-wind straining,
2. The pale yellow woods were waning,
3. The broad stream in his banks complaining,
4. Heavily the low sky raining
5. Over tower’d Camelot;
6. Outside the isle a shallow boat
7. Beneath a willow lay afloat,
8. Below the carven stern she wrote,
9. The Lady of Shalott.

1. A cloudwhite crown of pearl she dight,
2. All raimented in snowy white
3. That loosely flew (her zone in sight
4. Clasp’d with one blinding diamond bright)
5. Her wide eyes fix’d on Camelot,
6. Though the squally east-wind keenly
7. Blew, with folded arms serenely
8. By the water stood the queenly
9. Lady of Shalott.

1. With a steady stony glance—
2. Like some bold seer in a trance,
3. Beholding all his own mischance,
4. Mute, with a glassy countenance—
5. She look’d down to Camelot.
6. It was the closing of the day:
7. She loos’d the chain, and down she lay;
8. The broad stream bore her far away,
9. The Lady of Shalott.

1. As when to sailors while they roam,
2. By creeks and outfalls far from home,
3. Rising and dropping with the foam,
4. From dying swans wild warblings come,
5. Blown shoreward; so to Camelot
6. Still as the boathead wound along
7. The willowy hills and fields among,
8. They heard her chanting her deathsong,
9. The Lady of Shalott.

1. A longdrawn carol, mournful, holy,
2. She chanted loudly, chanted lowly,
3. Till her eyes were darken’d wholly,
4. And her smooth face sharpen’d slowly,
5. Turn’d to tower’d Camelot:
6. For ere she reach’d upon the tide
7. The first house by the water-side,
8. Singing in her song she died,
9. The Lady of Shalott.

1. Under tower and balcony,
2. By garden wall and gallery,
3. A pale, pale corpse she floated by,
4. Deadcold, between the houses high,
5. Dead into tower’d Camelot.
6. Knight and burgher, lord and dame,
7. To the planked wharfage came:
8. Below the stern they read her name,
9. The Lady of Shalott.

1. They cross’d themselves, their stars they blest,
2. Knight, minstrel, abbot, squire, and guest.
3. There lay a parchment on her breast,
4. That puzzled more than all the rest,
5. The wellfed wits at Camelot.
6. ‘The web was woven curiously,
7. The charm is broken utterly,
8. Draw near and fear not,—this is I,
9. The Lady of Shalott.’

“The Lady of Shalott” by Lord Tennyson was first published in 1832 and quickly gained popularity, becoming one of the most celebrated works of the Victorian era. The poem tells the story of a cursed lady who weaves a web and gazes out of her tower at the outside world through a mirror. She is not allowed to look directly at the world outside, but she eventually falls in love with the knight Sir Lancelot, whom she sees in the mirror. She breaks the curse and leaves her tower to travel down the river towards Camelot, but dies before she can reach it. The poem is notable for its use of vivid and evocative imagery, as well as its exploration of themes such as isolation, femininity, and the limitations of art. Its popularity has endured through the centuries, inspiring numerous adaptations in art, music, and literature, and cementing Tennyson’s place as one of the greatest poets of his time.

Annotations of “The Lady of Shalott” by Lord Tennyson

1. “The Lady of Shalott” is a poem by Lord Tennyson about a woman who is cursed to weave a magic web in a tower on an island near Camelot. She is forbidden to look directly at the outside world but can only view it through a mirror. The poem is divided into four parts.

Part I

1. Wold: a hilly, upland area covered in grass or heather (line 3)
2. Camelot: a legendary city in Arthurian legend where King Arthur held his court (line 5)
3. Waterlily: a type of aquatic plant with large round leaves and showy flowers (line 6)
4. Daffodilly: an archaic term for daffodil, a type of spring-blooming flower (line 7)
5. Tremble: shake or quiver (line 8)
6. Willows: a type of tree with slender branches and long leaves (line 10)
7. Aspens: a type of tree with smooth, white bark and leaves that tremble in the slightest breeze (line 10)
8. Sunbeam showers: shafts of sunlight that break through the tree leaves and shine on the river (line 11)
9. Shallop: a small, light boat (line 31)
10. Garlands: wreaths of flowers or leaves worn as a decoration (line 33)
11. Velvet bed: a bed made of soft, luxurious fabric (line 34)
12. Apparelled: dressed in fine clothing (line 35)

Part II

1. Charmed: under a spell or enchantment (line 38)
2. Tinkles: makes a light, ringing sound (line 48)
3. Mirror: a looking glass that reflects the outside world into the Lady’s tower (line 49)
4. Churls: rude, unfriendly people (line 52)
5. Market girls: women who sell goods at the market (line 53)
6. Abbot: a religious leader in a monastery (line 56)
7. Ambling pad: a comfortable saddle for a horse to move at a leisurely pace (line 56)
8. Shepherd lad: a young male shepherd (line 57)
9. Page: a young male servant or attendant (line 58)
10. Crimson: a deep, rich red color (line 58)
11. Knights: armored horsemen (line 61)

Part III

1. Barley-sheaves: bundles of harvested barley (line 74)
2. Dazzling: shining brightly (line 75)
3. Leaves: tree foliage (line 75)
4. Flam’d: flamed or burned (line 76)
5. Greaves: pieces of armor that protect the lower legs (line 76)
6. Sir Lancelot: a legendary knight and one of King Arthur’s Knights of the Round Table (line 77)
7. Red-cross knight: a knight who bears the symbol of the red cross on his shield (line 78)
8. Blazon’d baldric: a belt worn over one shoulder that holds a knight’s sword (line 87)
9. Gemmy bridle: a bridle decorated with jewels (line 82)
10. Galaxy: a large system of stars (line 83)
11. Baldric: a belt worn over one shoulder that holds a sword (line 87)

Narrative of “The Lady of Shalott” by Lord Tennyson

1. In a far-off land, a mystical and enchanting island named Shalott lay amidst the tranquil waters.
2. The island was home to a mysterious lady who spent her days weaving intricate tapestries.
3. Despite being surrounded by beauty and magic, the Lady of Shalott was cursed to never leave her tower.
4. She gazed upon the world outside her window, watching the people and their lives unfold.
5. She saw knights in shining armor ride by, their horses’ hooves clattering on the cobblestones.
6. She witnessed lovers walking hand in hand, the golden leaves rustling beneath their feet.
7. Yet the Lady of Shalott was forbidden to experience such joy and freedom.
8. Her only solace was her weaving, which she poured her heart and soul into.
9. One day, she saw a handsome knight riding by, and she couldn’t resist the urge to look at him directly.
10. As soon as she did, the curse was set into motion, and she knew her time was limited.
11. The Lady of Shalott abandoned her weaving and made her way to the river.
12. She climbed aboard a small boat and floated downstream, singing a mournful song.
13. Her journey was fraught with danger, and she knew that death was inevitable.
14. The Lady of Shalott arrived at Camelot, where the townspeople found her dead in the boat.
15. They were struck by her beauty and the mystery surrounding her fate.
16. The knights and ladies of Camelot mourned her passing and laid her to rest in a stately tomb.
17. They wondered who she was and what kind of life she had lived in the tower.
18. The Lady of Shalott became a legend, her story passed down from generation to generation.
19. To this day, people speak of her in hushed tones, wondering if her curse was truly broken.
20. Her tale serves as a reminder of the power of love and the dangers of giving in to temptation.

Literary Devices in “The Lady of Shalott” by Lord Tennyson

Literary Device	Verse Reference	Meanings and Functions
Alliteration	3. “That clothe the wold”	The repetition of the “w” sound emphasizes the abundance of vegetation in the fields.
Assonance	2. “Long fields of barley”	The repetition of the “a” and “e” sounds creates a musical effect, enhancing the description of the landscape.
Consonance	27. “Lady of Shalott”	The repetition of the “l” and “t” sounds creates a musical effect, emphasizing the importance of the Lady of Shalott.
Enjambment	5. “To many-tower’d Camelot”	The sentence continues to the next line, emphasizing the distance and importance of Camelot.
Enjambment	75. “The sun came dazzling”	The exaggeration of the sun’s brightness emphasizes Sir Lancelot’s arrival and draws attention to his appearance.
Imagery	1. “On either side the river lie”	The vivid description of the river and the fields creates a mental image of the setting.
Irony	42. “She knows not what the curse may be”	The Lady of Shalott is cursed but does not know the nature of the curse, creating an ironic situation.
Metaphor	22. “Like an angel”	The comparison between the Lady of Shalott’s singing and that of an angel emphasizes the beauty and purity of her voice.
Onomatopoeia	48. “The sheepbell tinkles”	The word “tinkles” imitates the sound of the sheepbell, creating a vivid auditory image.
Personification	14. “Flowing down to Camelot”	The river is given human-like qualities by “flowing”, emphasizing its importance in the setting.
Repetition	36. “The Lady of Shalott”	The repetition of the Lady’s name emphasizes her importance in the poem.
Rhyme	28. “all inrail’d” and 30. “unhail’d”	The words have similar sounds, creating a rhyme scheme and emphasizing the contrast between the rose-fence and the unhail’d marge.
Simile	53. “red cloaks of market girls”	The comparison between the market girls’ red cloaks and the color red emphasizes their presence in the setting.
Symbolism	31. “silken sail’d”	The use of silk symbolizes luxury and elegance, emphasizing the beauty of the shallop.
Synecdoche	80. “a lady in his shield”	The use of the lady’s image on Sir Lancelot’s shield represents his loyalty to her and her importance to him.
Tone	72. “I am half sick of shadows”	The tone of the Lady’s statement reveals her frustration with her limited existence and foreshadows her decision in Part IV.
Transferred epithet	8. “water chilly”	The epithet “chilly” is transferred from the water to the personified waterlilies, emphasizing their vulnerability to the cold.
Understatement	46. “She lives with little joy or fear”	The statement downplays the Lady’s misery and emphasizes her

Sound and Poetic Devices in “The Lady of Shalott” by Lord Tennyson

Literary Device	Examples/Reference	Meanings and Functions
Alliteration	“long fields of barley and of rye” (line 2)	The repetition of the initial sound of words in close proximity creates a musical effect and emphasizes the words being repeated, making them stand out to the reader. In this case, the repetition of the “l” sound in “long” and “fields” and the “r” sound in “barley” and “rye” creates a soothing and calming effect, giving the reader a sense of the peaceful countryside landscape.
Assonance	“by the island in the river” (line 13)	The repetition of vowel sounds in nearby words creates a musical effect and emphasizes the words being repeated. In this case, the repetition of the “i” sound in “island” and “river” creates a musical and flowing effect that reflects the movement of the water.
Consonance	“Tremble in the water chilly” (line 8)	The repetition of consonant sounds in nearby words creates a musical effect and emphasizes the words being repeated. In this case, the repetition of the “l” and “ch” sounds in “tremble,” “water,” and “chilly” creates a sense of movement and coldness, which reflects the natural setting of the poem.
End Rhyme	“To many-tower’d Camelot;” (line 5) and “Full royally apparelled,” (line 35)	The repetition of similar sounds at the end of two or more lines creates a musical effect and emphasizes the words being repeated. In this case, the end rhyme adds to the overall musicality of the poem and helps create a sense of unity between the different parts of the poem.
Rhyme Scheme	The poem uses a varying rhyme scheme throughout its different sections, such as ABABCB in Part I and AAAA in Part III.	The use of a specific rhyme scheme gives the poem a sense of structure and organization. It also helps create a musical effect, as well as emphasize certain words and phrases that rhyme.
Diction	“bearded barley” (line 19) and “surly village churls” (line 52)	The choice of specific words and phrases helps create the overall tone and mood of the poem. In this case, the use of “bearded” and “surly” creates a sense of ruggedness and roughness, reflecting the natural setting and the peasants who inhabit it.
Verse Type	The poem is written in iambic tetrameter, which means it has four iambs per line.	The use of a specific verse type creates a consistent rhythm throughout the poem, which helps create a musical effect and emphasize certain words and phrases. In this case, the iambic tetrameter gives the poem a sense of structure and organization.
Stanza Type	The poem is divided into four parts, each with a varying number of stanzas. Part I has 11 stanzas, Part II has 12 stanzas, Part III has 10 stanzas, and Part IV has one stanza.	The use of a specific stanza type helps create a sense of structure and organization within each part of the poem. It also helps create a sense of unity between the different parts of the poem.
Poem Type	“The Lady of Shalott” is a narrative poem, telling the story of the Lady of Shalott and her tragic fate.	The use of a specific poem type helps shape the overall structure and content of the poem. In this case, the narrative poem type allows for

Functions of Literary Devices in “The Lady of Shalott” by Lord Tennyson

1. Imagery: Tennyson uses vivid and detailed imagery to create a vivid and enchanting scene that draws the reader into the world of the Lady of Shalott. The rich descriptions of nature and the surrounding landscape serve to create a sense of atmosphere and mood throughout the poem. Examples of imagery can be found throughout the poem, such as in lines 6-9, which describe the waterlily and daffodil trembling in the water, and in lines 37-38, which describe the Lady of Shalott weaving her charmed web.
2. Symbolism: Tennyson uses symbolism to convey deeper meanings and themes in the poem. For example, the mirror that the Lady of Shalott weaves her web around represents her isolated and disconnected existence from the outside world. The curse that keeps her trapped in her tower is also a symbol of the societal constraints placed upon women during Tennyson’s time. Other examples of symbolism can be found throughout the poem, such as in lines 73-81, which describe Sir Lancelot’s appearance and his role as a symbol of temptation and danger.
3. Allusion: Tennyson incorporates allusions to medieval legends and literature to add depth and complexity to the poem. For example, the Lady of Shalott is a reference to the Elaine of Astolat, a character from Arthurian legend. The mention of Camelot and Sir Lancelot also alludes to this same mythology. These allusions help to create a sense of timelessness and grandeur within the poem. Other examples of allusion can be found throughout the poem, such as in lines 11-12, which allude to the shimmering of the water, and in lines 57-58, which allude to the appearance of a long-haired page in crimson.
4. Repetition: Tennyson uses repetition to create a sense of rhythm and musicality within the poem. The repeated phrases and images serve to reinforce the central themes and motifs of the poem, such as the Lady of Shalott’s isolation and entrapment. Examples of repetition can be found throughout the poem, such as in lines 47-49, which describe the tinkling of the sheepbell and the reflection of Camelot in the mirror, and in lines 73-75, which describe Sir Lancelot’s approach.

Themes in “The Lady of Shalott” by Lord Tennyson

Theme	Explanation	References from the Poem
Isolation and Loneliness	The Lady is confined to her tower and lives apart from society. This physical isolation leads to emotional loneliness and a deep yearning for connection.	* “On either side the river lie / Long fields of barley and of rye,” (Part I) – The landscape emphasis her seclusion. * “Only reapers, reaping early / In among the bearded barley / Hear a song that echoes cheerly” (Part I) – Demonstrates her indirect experience of the world and her longing for connection.
Art vs. Reality	The Lady experiences life primarily through her weaving as reflected in her mirror. The poem explores the tension between artistic creation and the desire for direct experience.	* “And moving thro’ a mirror clear / That hangs before her all the year, / Shadows of the world appear.” (Part II) – Illustrates how her life is mediated through art and reflection. * “There she weaves by night and day / A magic web with colours gay.” (Part II) – Emphasizes the Lady’s creation of a beautiful yet artificial representation of life.
The Desire for Connection	Despite her restrictions, the Lady yearns for love and a place in the larger world. Her decision to look directly at Lancelot represents a powerful desire for connection, even at great risk.	* “I am half sick of shadows,” said / The Lady of Shalott.” (Part II) – Expresses weariness with her isolated, indirect existence. * “But in her web she still delights / To weave the mirror’s magic sights” (Part III) – Shows that her desire for a full life grows stronger, even as she returns to her artistic world.
Consequences of Defiance	The poem’s curse suggests the dangers of defying social norms and stepping outside prescribed roles. The Lady’s choice to leave her tower and look directly at the world leads to her death.	* “A curse is on her if she stay / To look down to Camelot.” (Part I) – Establishes the danger of her breaking free. * “Out flew the web and floated wide; / The mirror crack’d from side to side; / ‘The curse is come upon me,’ cried / The Lady of Shalott. (Part IV) – Symbolizes the breaking of her constraints and the resulting punishment.
The Power of Love (or Infatuation)	Lancelot’s arrival triggers the Lady’s ultimate act of defiance. Whether true love or infatuation, this powerful emotion disrupts her isolated life and leads to both freedom and tragedy.	* “He flash’d into the crystal mirror, / ‘Tirra lirra,’ by the river” (Part III) – Shows how Lancelot’s appearance interrupts the Lady’s life with his vitality and boldness. * “She left the web, she left the loom, / She made three paces thro’ the room” (Part IV) – The Lady’s actions demonstrate the irresistible power of her desire, even in the face of the curse.

Literary Theories and Interpretations of “The Lady of Shalott” by Lord Tennyson

• Feminist Theory
  • The confined woman: Examines the Lady’s restricted position and the poem’s reflection of societal expectations for women in the Victorian era.
  • Agency and Defiance: Analyzes the Lady’s ultimate act of looking directly at the world as a form of rebellion, even if it results in tragic consequences.
  • Ambiguity of Desire: Questions whether her yearning for Lancelot represents a desire for true love and liberation or a misguided obsession born from isolation.
• Psychoanalytic Theory
  • The Unconscious Mind: Explores the Lady’s inner conflicts, such as her desire for connection and her fear of breaking the curse, as representative of the unconscious mind.
  • Repression and its Consequences: Interprets the poem as a cautionary tale about the dangers of repressed desires and the destructive consequences of finally acting upon them.
• Formalist Theory
  • Symbolism and Imagery: Analyzes the use of rich imagery (e.g., the mirror, the web, the river) and how they contribute to the poem’s themes and meaning.
  • Sound and Structure: Examines Tennyson’s use of repetition, rhyme, and meter to create the poem’s evocative atmosphere and impact on the reader.
• Reader-Response Theory
  • Ambiguity and Interpretation: Focuses on the poem’s open-ended nature and how readers might have different interpretations of the Lady’s character, motivations, and the ultimate meaning of the story.
  • Emotional Resonance: Explores the poem’s ability to evoke feelings of sadness, longing, or a sense of tragic beauty within the reader.
• Historical/Biographical Approach
  • Victorian Context: Considers the poem in relation to Victorian ideals of womanhood, social restrictions, and the role of the artist in society.
  • Tennyson’s Influences Analyzes potential influences on Tennyson’s writing, such as Arthurian legends or personal experiences.

Essay Topics, Questions and Thesis Statements about “The Lady of Shalott” by Lord Tennyson

Here are 4 essay topics, research questions, and corresponding thesis statements for “The Lady of Shalott”:

Topic 1: The Role of Isolation

• Question: How does the Lady of Shalott’s physical and symbolic isolation shape her character and the poem’s meaning?
• Thesis: Tennyson’s “The Lady of Shalott” explores the destructive consequences of isolation, both physical and emotional, with the Lady’s confinement serving as a metaphor for the stifling societal expectations placed upon women in the Victorian era.

Topic 2: Art and Experience

• Question: Does the Lady of Shalott’s reliance on reflected images and artistic creation limit her understanding of the world?
• Thesis: In “The Lady of Shalott,” Tennyson critiques the limitations of artistic representation by contrasting the Lady’s tapestry and mirrored world with the direct experience she ultimately craves, illustrating the dangers of substituting art for reality.

Topic 3: Feminine Identity and Defiance

• Question: To what extent is the Lady of Shalott’s decision to leave her tower an act of empowerment or a misguided tragedy?
• Thesis: While the Lady of Shalott’s final act can be interpreted as a desperate bid for liberation from her restrictive existence, Tennyson ultimately portrays her defiance as leading to tragic consequences, raising questions about the available paths for women seeking fulfillment within Victorian society.

Topic 4: The Ambiguity of Desire

• Question: Does the Lady of Shalott’s fascination with Lancelot represent true love, or a destructive obsession born from isolation?
• Thesis: Tennyson deliberately creates ambiguity around the nature of the Lady’s feelings for Lancelot in “The Lady of Shalott”; her desire can be read as both a yearning for romantic love and a broader longing for connection and a life beyond her tower.

Tips for a strong thesis statement:

• Specificity: A focused thesis leads to deeper analysis.
• Argumentative: Take a stance rather than merely stating an observation.
• Supportable: Ensure you can back up your thesis with evidence from the poem.

Short Question-Answer about “The Lady of Shalott” by Lord Tennyson

Question	Analysis
What is the significance of the Lady of Shalott’s weaving?	The Lady’s weaving symbolizes her isolation, reflecting her inability to experience the world directly and her reliance on secondhand knowledge. It’s also an outlet for creativity, a way to express her longing and inner life.
How does Tennyson use the image of the mirror in the poem?	The mirror represents the Lady’s limited perspective on the world; it distorts reality and separates her from direct experience. It also symbolizes her objectification as men gaze at her reflected image.
How does the arrival of Sir Lancelot affect the Lady of Shalott?	Lancelot represents the outside world and sparks a desire for freedom and connection. His arrival marks a turning point for the Lady – her choice to break free tragically leads to her death.
What is the significance of the line “On either side the river lie / Long fields of barley and of rye”?	This line sets the scene, establishing an idyllic landscape to contrast with the Lady’s isolation. The fields symbolize the natural world and freedom she yearns for while highlighting the distance between her and that world.

Suggested Readings: “The Lady of Shalott” by Lord Tennyson

Literary Criticism and Analysis

• Harrison, Antony H. “Christina Rossetti and the Sage Discourse of Feminist Criticism.” Victorian Poetry 21.2 (1983): 141–53.
  • Includes a section on Tennyson’s “The Lady of Shalott” and how it relates to Victorian representations of women.
• Psomiades, Kathy Alexis. “‘The Lady of Shalott’ and the Critical Reception of Victorian Poetry.” Victorian Poetry 36.4 (1998): 455–73.
  • Analyzes the poem’s reception history and explores varying interpretations from its contemporaries to modern day.
• Tucker, Herbert. “Tennyson and the Measure of Doom.” PMLA 98.1 (1983): 81–98.
  • Explores themes of isolation, confinement, and the looming presence of death in Tennyson’s work, including “The Lady of Shalott.”

Victorian Context and Women Writers

• Gilbert, Sandra M., and Susan Gubar. The Madwoman in the Attic: The Woman Writer and the Nineteenth-Century Literary Imagination. 2nd ed., Yale University Press, 2000.
  • A seminal work of feminist literary criticism that often uses “The Lady of Shalott” as an example of confined women in 19th-century literature.
• Palazzo, Lynda. Christina Rossetti’s Feminist Theology. Palgrave Macmillan, 2002.
  • While focused on Christina Rossetti, this work explores representations of women, religion, and societal restrictions in Victorian literature as a whole.

Websites

• “The Lady of Shalott.” The Victorian Web. Ed. George P. Landlow.
  • Provides the full text of the poem, along with commentary and links to other relevant resources.
• “The Lady of Shalott Project.” The Camelot Project. University of Rochester. [invalid URL removed]
  • Comprehensive website with various versions of the poem, illustrations, and critical essays.