The Lady of Shalott
A Phoenix Paperback Series
What’s inside...
Alfred Tennyson, a 19th-century English poet, is renowned for his lyrical ballad 'The Lady of Shalott', inspired by the medieval text 'La Damigella di Scalot'. It depicts the tragic tale of Elaine of Astolat, a young noblewoman confined in a tower away from Camelot. Tennyson's use of vivid medieval romanticism and symbolic elements made this among his most famous works. Born in 1809 in Somersby, UK, Tennyson published his first book at 18 and was later appointed Poet Laureate in 1850. In 1884, he was honored as Baron Tennyson of Aldworth by the royal family, a rare literary recognition. He continued writing poetry until his death in 1892, leaving a legacy of eloquence and creativity.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
6-7
Length
66 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think the Lady of Shalott feels when she looks at the world only through the mirror? Why is the mirror important?
Why do you think the Lady of Shalott decides to leave her tower when she sees Sir Lancelot?
How does the curse affect the Lady of Shalott’s choices and actions throughout the story?
What role do you think courage plays in the story, and which actions show courage?
How do the other characters in the story react to the Lady of Shalott, and why do you think they react that way?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the story, linking them to their own experiences. Ask them to imagine different scenarios and outcomes, fostering creative thinking. Highlight the themes of freedom and destiny, discussing how these can relate to everyday decisions. Use the vivid imagery in the book to enhance visualization skills, asking your child to describe scenes or characters in detail. Discuss the historical and mythical elements of the story, enhancing comprehension and interest in literature and history.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of perseverance
Explanation: The Lady of Shalott faces numerous challenges but continually strives to reach her goals, demonstrating perseverance.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by not giving up when they face difficulties in school or during extracurricular activities.
Example Lesson: The value of creativity
Explanation: The Lady of Shalott is known for her artistic weaving, emphasizing the importance of creativity and self-expression.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to explore their own creative talents, whether in art, writing, or other forms of expression.
Example Lesson: Understanding consequences
Explanation: In the story, the Lady of Shalott makes a critical decision that leads to significant consequences, teaching readers about the impact of choices.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to think about potential outcomes before making decisions, helping them develop better judgment skills.
Example Lesson: The power of resilience
Explanation: Despite her challenges, The Lady of Shalott shows resilience and determination.
Real-World Application: This lesson can be applied in a child’s life by encouraging them to bounce back from setbacks and continue working towards their goals.