The Lady of Shalott - Poem (1 page) Worksheet

"The Lady of Shalott" is a captivating poem by Alfred Lord Tennyson, which unfolds the tale of a mysterious woman bound by a strange curse. Set in a pastoral landscape where heavy barges glide along the river and the reapers work the fields, the poem paints a vivid picture of rural life near the legendary city of Camelot. The Lady of Shalott is known to the local reapers only through the echo of her singing, and she exists in isolation on the island of Shalott. Surrounded by four grey walls and towers, she weaves a colourful web day and night, forbidden by the curse to look directly at Camelot. Instead, she gazes into a mirror which reflects the bustling world outside, including the road to Camelot where knights, villagers, and lovers pass by.

As the narrative progresses, the Lady of Shalott becomes captivated by the reflections in her mirror, particularly by the sight of the handsome Sir Lancelot. The spellbinding imagery continues as Tennyson describes Sir Lancelot's glittering bridle and the ringing of his armour, which enthrals the Lady to the point where she forsakes her weaving to gaze upon him directly. This act of defiance against the curse shatters her mirror and seals her fate. Resigned to her destiny, she finds a boat, inscribes her name on the prow, and sets off down the river towards Camelot, singing her final, mournful song. Her tragic journey ends as she reaches the city, where the citizens of Camelot discover her lifeless body. Sir Lancelot, upon seeing her, offers a prayer for her soul, acknowledging her beauty and the mystery that surrounded her life and death.