Symbolism in Alfred, Lord Tennyson's ‘The Lady of Shalott’
I can explore Tennyson's use of symbolism in 'The Lady of Shallot'.
Symbolism in Alfred, Lord Tennyson's ‘The Lady of Shalott’
I can explore Tennyson's use of symbolism in 'The Lady of Shallot'.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Symbolism is when writers use something tangible to represent an intangible idea.
- The Lady of Shalott symbolises the isolated artist and the sacrifices some make to create great art.
- Throughout the poem, Tennyson emphasises that the Lady of Shalott is a great artist.
- However, Tennyson also emphasises how much the Lady of Shalott sacrifices to create her beautiful art.
- It is up to the reader to decide whether the Lady of Shalott made the right decision to leave her isolated tower.
Common misconception
If you are in solitude, you feel lonely.
Solitude can be a pleasant state, one that lots of people seek out. It is different from feeling lonely or isolated.
Keywords
Intangible - something that can't be touched e.g. love
Symbolism - when writers use something to represent intangible ideas; for example, a rose as a symbol for love
Solitude - the state of being alone with no-one around you
Sacrifice - to (often) unwillingly give something up
Isolated - to be placed far away from others; to have little contact with others
Equipment
Pupils need a copy of Alfred, Lord Tennyson's 'The Lady of Shalott' 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
description of the island and the rumours about the Lady of Shalott
description of curse, but also that beauty of the "web"
Sir Lancelot is described, and the Lady of Shalott leaves her loom
the Lady of Shalott sails to Camelot in a boat, knowing she will die
Exit quiz
6 Questions
something that can be touched e.g. a table
something that can’t be touched e.g. love
when writers use something to represent abtract ideas
she lives alone in a tower.
she has a happy existence weaving a "charmed web".
she eventually leaves her loom.