“The Lady of Shalott :”

By Rebecca Colwell

A Look at Visual Representations of the

Lady and Tennyson’s poem

Visual Representations of

the Lady Having read both of Tennyson’s versions of “The Lady of Shalott,” students will analyze another medium representing the Lady and her poem in a similar manner.

They will react to the paintings in the context of their interpretation of the Lady as well as the features important to them from both variants of Tennyson’s poem.

Students will also make connections (compare/contrast) between artists own varied interpretations of the poem.

The Edward Moxon edition of “The Lady of Shalott” – 1857 – Students will evaluate

how the edition might influence interpretation, especially considering the

various visual interpretations.

The Lady of Shalott, John Waterhouse (1888)

The Lady of Shalott John Waterhouse, (1894) I’m Half-Sick of Shadows Said the

Lady of Shalott John Waterhouse (1915)

The Lady of Shalott, Elizabeth Siddal (1853)

The Lady of Shalott, Dante Rossetti (1857)

“The Lady of Shalott”, Arthur Hughes (1872-3)

The Lady of Shalott, William Maw Egley (1858)

Lady of Shalott, William Holman Hunt

(1857)

Lady of Shalott, William Holman Hunt

(1850)

Lady of Shalott, William Holman Hunt

(1887-1905)

Part 2.2: Analyzing Art

Optic Directions: Use the following worksheets to annotate your piece of art.

Overview- What is the piece of art about in a few words? Describe basically and literally.Parts - What are the elements, colors, and textures of the piece of art? List all important details.Title- How does the title explain, expand, or illuminate your understanding of the visual? Inferences- Make inferences about the relationships of the parts to each other and to the title.Interpretation - What emotions does the artwork evoke? Why?Conclusion- Sum up the message in one or two sentences. If it was a part of a text, why was it included?

Part 2.2: Analyzing ArtOPTIC Follow-up Questions:

Compare/contrast this piece of art to the poem’s description of the Lady.

How does this piece interpret the Lady?How might this piece’s interpretation of the poem alter your

interpretation?In what ways do you agree or disagree with the

interpretation?How might reading the poem with these images impact

interpretation?Reading someone else’s theory: “Tennyson’s Lady of Shalott

and Pre-Raphaelite Renderings: Statement and Counterstatement” by Thomas L. Jeffers

Part 3: Modern InterpretationsBringing modern visuals to the student

attention and analysis

Part 3: Modern Interpretations

Anne of Green Gables – students will look at how the girls try to interpret the poem.

The Band Perry’s “If I Die Young” – how are the poem and movie incorporated into the music video?

Loreena McKinnit “The Lady of Shalott” – listen and look at her lyrics for her musical interpretation of the poem. How does she interpret the poem with her music? What impact are the skipped stanza’s upon your interpretations? What impact does her instrument or presentation of the song change your interpretation.

‘’The Lady of Shalott’’ Modern Visuals

Modern References & AllusionsAnne of Greene Gables

Loreena McKinnet’s « Lady of Shalott »

The Band Perry Music Video