The Lady of Shalott - Lesson 3 - Language PowerPoint

The third lesson in the series on Alfred Lord Tennyson's "The Lady of Shalott" focuses on delving into the language used within the poem. The objective is to develop a deeper understanding of the poetic language, some of which may be archaic or unfamiliar to contemporary readers. Students are encouraged to read through the first two stanzas and note down any words or phrases that they find unclear. To aid comprehension, the lesson plan includes a task where students use a dictionary to look up unknown words, such as "wold," which is defined as an upland or rolling country, particularly when treeless. They are then asked to continue this process as they read through the rest of the poem, ensuring they grasp the meaning of Tennyson's rich and evocative language.

The lesson proceeds with a discussion about the Lady of Shalott herself, prompting students to form first impressions and describe her using words and phrases from the poem. Through reading and analysis, students explore the setting of Shalott, an island near Camelot, and the mysterious figure of the Lady who is imprisoned there. The reapers, working nearby, have never seen her but have heard her singing, referring to her as 'the fairy Lady of Shalott'. The lesson includes a variety of activities such as creating a comic strip, answering questions in full sentences, and engaging in discussions to articulate first impressions of the Lady. This comprehensive approach ensures students not only engage with the text but also exercise critical thinking and creative skills to interpret Tennyson's timeless work.