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Year 8 - English

Symbolism in Alfred, Lord Tennyson's 'The Lady of Shalott'

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 explore Tennyson's use of symbolism in 'The Lady of Shallot'.

Key Notes

  • Symbolism is when writers use something tangible to represent an intangible idea.
  • The Lady of Shalott symbolises the isolated artist and the sacrifices some make to create great art.
  • Throughout the poem, Tennyson emphasises that the Lady of Shalott is a great artist.
  • However, Tennyson also emphasises how much the Lady of Shalott sacrifices to create her beautiful art.
  • It is up to the reader to decide whether the Lady of Shalott made the right decision to leave her isolated tower.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • intangible: something that can't be touched e.g. love
  • symbolism: when writers use something to represent intangible ideas; for example, a rose as a symbol for love
  • solitude: the state of being alone with no-one around you
  • sacrifice: to (often) unwillingly give something up
  • isolated: to be placed far away from others; to have little contact with others

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • If you are in solitude, you feel lonely.

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. The Lady of Shalott symbolises the isolated artist and the sacrifices some make to create great art.

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

something that can't be touched e.g. love.

3. Correct this common English misunderstanding.

Mistake: If you are in solitude, you feel lonely. Correction: Solitude can be a pleasant state, one that lots of people seek out. It is different from feeling lonely or isolated.

More Lessons In This Unit

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