Analysis
Alfred Tennyson's 1842 version of "The Lady of Shalott" is a narrative poem that explores themes of isolation, destiny, and the consequences of defying societal norms. Structured in four parts, the poem unfolds the tragic story of the Lady, who is cursed to weave in a secluded tower and forbidden to look directly at the outside world. The narrative tone is measured and reflective, aligning with the Victorian sensibilities prevalent during the time of its composition.
The opening stanza introduces the setting and the Lady's predicament, establishing an atmosphere of quiet melancholy. The Lady's confinement within the tower is evident from the lines, "Four gray walls, and four gray towers / Overlook a space of flowers," encapsulating a sense of detachment from the vibrant world outside. Tennyson employs a vivid yet restrained description to emphasize the Lady's isolation, setting the tone for the poem.
The Lady's forbidden gaze at Camelot represents the conflict between her desire for connection and the societal restrictions imposed on her. The mirror in which she sees the outside world acts as a metaphor for her indirect and mediated experience. This detachment is evident in the lines, "In the stormy east-wind straining, / The pale yellow woods were waning," portraying a world seen through the filter of her woven reflections. The Lady's yearning for a connection with the vibrant life outside her tower adds a poignant layer to the narrative.
The curse upon the Lady is revealed through the enigmatic and haunting weaving of the web. Tennyson's use of the repetitive refrain, "Willows whiten, aspens quiver, / Little breezes dusk and shiver," creates a rhythmic and hypnotic quality, underscoring the inevitability of her fate. The curse, presented as a "curse is come upon me," amplifies the sense of fatalism that pervades the poem, emphasizing the Lady's lack of agency in determining her own destiny.
As the Lady observes Sir Lancelot riding by, her desire to break free from her confinement intensifies. The imagery of the mirror cracking symbolizes the Lady's rebellion against her predetermined fate. Tennyson's depiction of the mirror shattering in the line, “The mirror crack'd from side to side," serves as a dramatic turning point, signaling the irreversible consequences of her defiance. The breaking of the mirror not only signifies the Lady's rebellion but also foreshadows her impending doom.
The Lady's decision to leave her tower and embark on a fateful journey down the river adds a layer of inevitability to the narrative. Tennyson's use of ominous imagery, such as "And down the river's dim expanse / Like some bold seër in a trance," heightens the sense of foreboding. The repetition of the refrain underscores the inexorable progression of events, mirroring the Lady's descent towards her tragic end.
The conclusion of the poem, with the Lady's lifeless body floating downstream, encapsulates the consequences of defying societal norms and embracing one's desires. Tennyson's sober and restrained language in describing the Lady's demise provides a poignant commentary on the societal constraints placed upon individuals, especially women, during the Victorian era.
Through measured language and controlled imagery, Tennyson presents a tragic tale of a woman bound by a curse, yearning for connection and ultimately succumbing to the consequences of defying societal norms. The poem's power lies in its exploration of timeless themes within the context of Victorian sensibilities.
