Symbolism In The Lady Of Shalott

Alfred, Lord Tennyson poem “The Lady of Shalott” is a Victoria Age balled. The poem is set during the dark ages of England under the rule of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table. The setting is in a small town of Shalott just down the road from the famous town of Camelot. Tennyson writes “The Lady of Shalott” using symbolism, imagery, and allegory opening the minds of readers into a storybook fairy tale. “The Lady of Shalott” gives readers a sense of mystery, magic, wonder, love, and tragedy all in one. Tennyson used the mystery and wonder of Camelot to create another story that is not all about King Arthur rather the struggles of others within the kingdom.
Lord Tennyson uses symbolism not only to paint a picture for the audience but to also tie the poem together. Some symbolism is more important than others however it all contributes to the story and gives readers something to imagine in their heads while reading. The river is very symbolic to Tennyson’s poem. Readers are first …show more content…
Tennyson draws his readers into a fairytale world. Readers began to feel sorry for the Lady and want so much for her to escape her curse of the island and get her happy ending. The Lady takes a chance on love when she see Lancelot. Unfortunately, she did not know that the price she would pay for freedom would be with her life. For a brief moment in time, while the Lady escapes and leaves her tower and floats down the freezing river, she does arrive in Camelot, however, it is already too late for her. Tennyson use of symbolism and imagery is what helped his story develop in the minds of the readers. The somberness of Camelot when the Lady arrives gives readers a different look on this city as readers are accustom to knowing Camelot as a happy place. Tennyson breaks away from giving readers they 're happily ever after, and instead shows the realities the Lady, that not everyone gets their happy