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Year 8 - English

Descriptive writing using Lord Tennyson's 'The Lady of Shalott' as stimulus

Myths, legends and stories that inspire

Unit Summary

In this unit, pupils read and explore a range of text types in connection to classical myths and legends. They first look at poetry before doing some descriptive writing inspired by poetry and paintings. They then explore Chaucer and modern retellings of myths to inspire their narrative writing.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to create a powerful atmosphere in your creative writing through language choices and symbolism inspired by Alfred, Lord Tennyson's 'The Lady of Shalott'.

Key Notes

  • Symbolism is when writers use something tangible to represent an intangible idea.
  • Tennyson's use of symbols is one way he creates a sombre atmosphere, particularly in Part 4 of 'The Lady of Shalott'.
  • Key symbols in 'The Lady of Shalott' include a willow tree to symbolise grief, and a pearl to symbolise perfection.
  • Tennyson also relies on pathetic fallacy to create a sombre and dramatic atmosphere in Part 4 of the poem.
  • You can employ pathetic fallacy and symbolism in your own writing to create a distinctive atmosphere.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • atmospheric: creating a powerful and identifiable mood.
  • symbolism: when writers use something to represent intangible ideas; for example, a rose as a symbol for love.
  • pathetic fallacy: in literature, when the weather reflects the mood.
  • swan song: a metaphor for a final act before death; this phrase comes from an ancient belief that swans sing a beautiful song before they die.
  • sombre: serious, sad.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • Writers can use any object to symbolise any idea.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

1. Explain this English learning goal in two key points.

Symbolism is when writers use something tangible to represent an intangible idea. Tennyson's use of symbols is one way he creates a sombre atmosphere, particularly in Part 4 of 'The Lady of Shalott'.

2. Define this language term and use it in a sentence. 'atmospheric'

creating a powerful and identifiable mood.

3. Correct this common English misunderstanding.

Mistake: Writers can use any object to symbolise any idea. Correction: Writers can get their messages across via inventive and innovative methods. However, there are some key symbols in literature which have a generally accepted meaning. For example, a rose to symbolise love, or a pearl to symbolise perfection.

More Lessons In This Unit

Browse all guides in the Year 8 English guide library.