How is Lancelot described in the poem? Look at the words used to describe him.What is the curse that lies upon the Lady? Does she know what the curse is?.

Why is the mirror so important to her? Do you think the mirror might have any symbolic significance? If so, what?.How does her life contrast to the life of people in the outside world. On the second list, note all the bad things. On the first list write down all the good things in her life.

Make two lists of the Lady of Shalott’s life.

Remember to comment on both the island and the surrounding countryside, and on the time in which the poem is set.

What is your response to the rhythm and rhyme in the poem? Would you have preferred to read a prose version of the same story? Why or why not?.

Which lines are repeated in this poem? What is the effect of this repetition? Do you think the poem could easily be set to music? Why or why not?.

What role does Lancelot play in this poem?.

What is the importance of the mirror in the poem?.

What do we find out about the Lady of Shalott? How does she spend her time?.

Then discuss briefly the following questions. Sit in groups and retell the story in your own words. The broad stream in his banks complaining, The sun came dazzling through the leaves, Tennyson first published “The Lady of Shalott” in 1832 but revised the poem extensively before reprinting it in 1842. In his poems, many of which are based on legends and myths, Tennyson was concerned with most of the critical questions of the 19th century: women’s rights, economics, politics, science and religion. He held this title for nearly half a century. In 1850 he succeeded Wordsworth as poet laureate. With the publication of works such as Morte d’ Arthur, Ulysses and In Memoriam (a collection of lyrical poems lamenting the death of a close friend), however, his reputation as a poet became firmly established. Alfred, Lord Tennyson (1809-1892) had to wait some time before he made a name for himself.

The lady of shalott 1842