Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"The Lady of Shalott" is a narrative poem by Alfred Tennyson, first published in 1832. The poem tells the story of a young woman who is trapped in a tower on the island of Shalott, and who spends her days weaving a magical web. The poem explores the themes of love, isolation, and freedom. It is notable for its vivid and evocative language, its use of symbolism and myth, and its exploration of the female experience.

The poem begins with a description of the Lady of Shalott, who is trapped in a tower and cursed to weave a magical web without ever looking directly at the world outside. She is described as a beautiful and mysterious figure, whose only contact with the world is through the images that she sees in her mirror. She is forbidden from looking out of her window, or from experiencing the world directly.

As the poem progresses, the Lady of Shalott begins to long for freedom and love. She becomes obsessed with the image of a young knight whom she sees in her mirror, and she begins to weave his image into her magical web. However, as she does so, she begins to feel the effects of the curse, which causes her to grow weak and ill.

The climax of the poem comes when the Lady of Shalott, unable to resist the temptation any longer, looks out of her window and sees the world directly. As a result, she is struck by a curse, and she falls from her tower to her death. The poem ends with a haunting image of the Lady's body drifting down the river, surrounded by the flowers that she wove into her magical web.

Throughout the poem, Tennyson uses vivid and evocative language to create a sense of mood and atmosphere. He uses symbolism, such as the image of the mirror and the magical web, to explore the themes of love and isolation. He also draws on mythological and literary references, such as the story of King Arthur and the Lady of the Lake, to create a sense of depth and resonance.

One of the most striking aspects of the poem is its exploration of the female experience. The Lady of Shalott is presented as a complex and multifaceted character, who embodies both the desire for freedom and the fear of rejection. She is both strong and vulnerable, both independent and dependent. In this sense, she represents the struggles and contradictions that are inherent in the female experience.

In conclusion, "The Lady of Shalott" is a powerful and evocative poem that explores the themes of love, isolation, and freedom. Tennyson's use of vivid and evocative language, symbolism and myth, and his exploration of the female experience create a work that is both timeless and universal. 

Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!

Other Poems of Interest...