Descriptive writing using Lord Tennyson's 'The Lady of Shalott' as stimulus
I can create a powerful atmosphere in my creative writing through language choices and symbolism inspired by Alfred, Lord Tennyson’s ‘The Lady of Shalott’.
Descriptive writing using Lord Tennyson's 'The Lady of Shalott' as stimulus
I can create a powerful atmosphere in my creative writing through language choices and symbolism inspired by Alfred, Lord Tennyson’s ‘The Lady of Shalott’.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Symbolism is when writers use something tangible to represent an intangible idea.
- Tennyson’s use of symbols is one way he creates a sombre atmosphere, particularly in Part 4 of ‘The Lady of Shalott’.
- Key symbols in ‘The Lady of Shalott’ include a willow tree to symbolise grief, and a pearl to symbolise perfection.
- Tennyson also relies on pathetic fallacy to create a sombre and dramatic atmosphere in Part 4 of the poem.
- You can employ pathetic fallacy and symbolism in your own writing to create a distinctive atmosphere.
Common misconception
Writers can use any object to symbolise any idea.
Writers can get their messages across via inventive and innovative methods. However, there are some key symbols in literature which have a generally accepted meaning. For example, a rose to symbolise love, or a pearl to symbolise perfection.
Keywords
Atmospheric - creating a powerful and identifiable mood.
Symbolism - when writers use something to represent intangible ideas; for example, a rose as a symbol for love.
Pathetic fallacy - in literature, when the weather reflects the mood.
Swan song - a metaphor for a final act before death; this phrase comes from an ancient belief that swans sing a beautiful song before they die.
Sombre - serious, sad.
Equipment
Pupils will need a copy of Part 4 of 'The Lady of Shalott' by Alfred, Lord Tennyson which can be found in the additional materials.
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
- Depiction or discussion of sexual content
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
a cursed artist
a brave knight
someone who hears the Lady of Shalott singing
people the Lady of Shalott sees in the mirror
when the weather reflects the mood of a character or event
when writers use something tangible to represent an intangible idea
a method of comparison when you say one thing is another
Exit quiz
6 Questions
the wild weather is described
the Lady of Shalott's outfit is described
the Lady of Shalott starts sailing to Camelot
the Lady of Shalott starts singing her deathsong
the Lady of Shalott dies
people from Camelot come to see the Lady of Shalott’s body