The Lady Of Shalott (Oxford Children's Classics)
Oxford Children'S Classics Series
What’s inside...
Tennyson's romantic poem, 'The Lady of Shalott,' depicts the mysterious Lady living in isolation in a castle, cursed to view the outside world only through a mirror. The poem explores themes of longing, love, and tragedy, culminating in the Lady's fateful decision to leave the castle for love, leading to her demise. Enhanced by Charles Keeping's illustrations, this edition brings to life the atmospheric tale set in the mythical world of Camelot, capturing the detailed artwork and featuring a new striking cover.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
9-12
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
The Lady Of Shalott
Discussion points
What do you think the Lady of Shalott feels as she looks at the world only through a mirror?
Why do you think the Lady of Shalott decided to leave her tower when she saw Sir Lancelot?
How did the people in the town react to the Lady of Shalott and what does that teach us about understanding others?
What are some ways the Lady of Shalott shows bravery? Can you think of a time when you were brave?
What do you think is the main message of the story and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the story by asking open-ended questions that prompt deeper thinking. Validate their responses and share your own interpretations to foster a rich discussion. Relate themes from the book to real-life scenarios your child might encounter to help them connect with the material. Use expressive reading to bring the characters and scenes to life, making the story more engaging and relatable for your child.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of courage and taking risks
Explanation: In the poem, the Lady of Shalott is faced with a difficult choice between the safety of her known world and the risk of the unknown. She bravely chooses to leave her tower, breaking the curse.
Real-World Application: Children learn that stepping out of their comfort zones can lead to new experiences and self-discovery, encouraging them to face new challenges in life.
Example Lesson: The consequences of isolation
Explanation: The Lady of Shalott lives isolated in a tower, which ultimately leads to her tragic fate when she attempts to connect with the outside world.
Real-World Application: This teaches children about the value of social interaction and the negative impacts of being isolated, emphasizing the importance of community and friendships in personal growth.
Example Lesson: The power of art and creativity
Explanation: Throughout the poem, the Lady of Shalott is engaged in weaving a beautiful tapestry, which is a metaphor for creativity and the way she perceives the world.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to express themselves through art and appreciate the beauty of creativity in understanding and interpreting the world around them.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: Despite her eventual tragic end, the Lady of Shalott shows resilience by pursuing her desire to participate actively in life and love, despite the curse's restrictions.
Real-World Application: It highlights for children the importance of perseverance and resilience when facing difficult circumstances and encourages them to persist in pursuit of their goals.