Lady of Shalott

Question 1

Lyrical Ballad

Answer 1

Ballad:
- repition of key phrases & rhymes
- almost song-like, remind readers of oral poetry
- often simple language

Lyrical Ballad:
- new form of poetry introduced by Wordsworth & Coleridge; emotions of the speaker

Question 2

Origin

Answer 2

• Inspired by Arthurian legend (presence oft he knight
  Lancelot)
• Italian work „Donna di Scalotta“ 13th Scentury

Question 3

Structure (1832 version)

Answer 3

• 4 parts, 20 stanzas
• One stanza consists of 9 lines
• Iambic Tetrameter (a line of four beats where a stressed syllable follows an unstressed syllable)
• Using alliterations: evocative, dynamic description

Question 4

Summarise the Lady of Shalott in one sentence

Answer 4

Lady of Shalott; living on an island; weaving what she sees in a mirror on her tapestry; until she’s tempted to look at the outside world & meets a tragic fate

Question 5

Themes:

Answer 5

• confining role of women;
  unmarried women expected to remain passive in the home or at social events
• Love: dangerous; but better than hiding yourself

Question 6

Gothic Elements

Answer 6

• Isolation: Lady in her tower
• Supernatural Elements: curse

Question 7

Romantic Elements:

Answer 7

• emphasises on emotion, nature & power of imagination