" The Lady of Shalott " is a Victorian poem by the English poet Alfred, Lord Tennyson (1809 -1892). Like other early poems- "Sir Lancelot and Queen Guinevere, " and " Galahad " the poem recasts Arthurian subject matter loosely based on medieval sources and takes up some themes that would become more fully realized in Idylls of the King where the tale of Elaine is recounted.
Synopisis:
The first four stanzas describe a pastoral setting. The Lady of Shalott lives in an island castle in a river which flows to Camelot, but little is known about her by the local farmers.
And by the moon the reaper weary, Piling sheaves in uplands airy, Listening, whispers, " Tis the fairy The Lady of Shalott."
Stanzas five through eight describe the lady's life. She has been curse, and so must constantly weave a magic web without looking directly out at the world. Instead, she looks into a mirro which reflects the busy road and the people of Camelot which pass by her island.
She knows not what the curse may be, and so she weaveth steadily, and little other care hath she,The Lady of Shalott.
Stanzas nine describe the bold Sir Lancelot as he past, and is seen by the lady.
All in the blue unclouded weather, thick-jewell'd shone the saddle-leather, the helmet and the helmet-feather burn'd like on burning flame together, as he rode down to Camelot. Out flew the web and floated wide- the mirror crack'd from side to side : " the curse is come upon me, " cried The Lady of Shalott.
She leaves her tower, finds a boat upon which she writes her name and floats down the river to Camelot. She dies before arriving at the palace and among the knights and ladies who her is Lancelot..
" Who is this? And what is here?" and in the lighted palace near died the sound of royal cheer and they crossed themselves for fear . All the Knights at Camelot ; but Lancelott mused a little space . He said, " She has a lovely face" God in his mercy lend her grace, The Lady of Shalott"