The Lady of Shalott

Question

by Alfred Lord Tennyson

PART I

On either side the river lie
Long fields of barley and of rye,
That clothe the wold and meet the sky;
And thro' the field the road runs by
To many-tower'd Camelot;
And up and down the people go,
Gazing where the lilies blow
Round an island there below,
The island of Shalott.
Willows whiten, aspens quiver,
Little breezes dusk and shiver
Thro' the wave that runs forever
By the island in the river
Flowing down to Camelot.
Four gray walls, and four gray towers,
Overlook a space of flowers,
And the silent isle embowers
The Lady of Shalott.

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Question
Use the painting and poem to answer the question.


Source: IanDagnall Computing. Alamy Stock Photo

In 3–5 sentences, analyze how the poem and the painting each contribute to your understanding of the story. Explain at least one detail the poem contains that the painting does not and tell how it contributes to your understanding. Then, explain at least one detail the painting contains that the poem does not and tell how it contributes to your understanding

Answer 1

The poem "The Lady of Shalott" by Alfred Lord Tennyson sets the scene of a mysterious and isolated lady living on the island of Shalott. It describes the beauty and tranquility of the surrounding landscape, as well as the confinement of the Lady within her tower. The painting, depicting the Lady weaving in her tower, visually reinforces the sense of solitude and entrapment described in the poem. One detail the poem contains that the painting does not is the mention of "Gazing where the lilies blow round an island there below," which highlights the Lady's longing to observe the outside world. On the other hand, the painting provides a visual representation of the Lady's activities and her surroundings that enhances our understanding of her life and emotions.