Themes: The Artist's Condition in Society
“The Lady of Shalott” has most often been read as an allegory of the artist’s condition in a society indifferent or even hostile to art. The Victorian age was not, by and large, especially sympathetic to art and artists. Many Victorians believed that poetry had had its day and could offer little of use in an age of serious scientific, industrial, and social effort. Put plainly, many Victorians believed that poetry “did” nothing, that it was merely idleness and frippery. Others, perhaps no more sympathetic to the real requirements of the artist, suggested that poetry could justify itself if it celebrated the serious social achievements of the modern age—if, in other words, it put itself to work providing moral edification for the reading masses. Certainly, many of Tennyson’s contemporaries took him to task for writing poems remote in their imaginative wonders from the mundane struggles and triumphs of the passing hour. Tennyson had a strong tendency to idealize the isolated, self-absorbed artist rapt in his visions of unearthly beauty, and this “art for art’s sake” doctrine came in for strong criticism from well-meaning Victorian critics. “The Lady of Shalott” is, in one dimension, Tennyson’s allegorical rejoinder to those utilitarian critics.
Expert Q&A
In "The Lady of Shalott," what allegory is presented and its relation to humanity?
The allegory in "The Lady of Shalott" reflects the restricted lives of Victorian women. The Lady's confinement in the tower symbolizes the control and protection imposed on women to preserve their purity for marriage. Her eventual escape represents the consequences of defying societal norms. Additionally, the poem addresses the Victorian debate on the role of artists and their detachment from real life to create art.
What is the significance of the unhail'd shallop flitting away in "The Lady of Shalott"?
The "unhail'd shallop flitting away" in "The Lady of Shalott" symbolizes the Lady's isolation and the non-linear narrative of the poem. This small boat, moving freely down the river, contrasts with the Lady's confinement, highlighting her unacknowledged existence and loneliness. The imagery foreshadows her eventual journey to Camelot, where she is unnoticed and unloved, emphasizing her tragic fate and the indifference of the world outside her tower.
In Tennyson's "The Lady of Shalott," what could the lady's death metaphorically represent?
The Lady's death in "The Lady of Shalott" can metaphorically represent unrequited love, societal ostracism for defying norms, or the failure of artistic genius. Her unfulfilled love for Lancelot parallels the original legend of Elaine of Astolat. Alternatively, her death symbolizes the consequences Victorian women faced when defying domestic roles, akin to authors George Sand and George Eliot. Lastly, it might reflect the artist's struggle to balance creative isolation with real-world engagement.
The relevance of "The Lady of Shalott" in contemporary society
"The Lady of Shalott" remains relevant in contemporary society as it explores themes of isolation, the desire for connection, and the conflict between reality and art. These themes resonate today as individuals navigate the balance between personal dreams and societal expectations, as well as the impact of technology and media on our perceptions of reality.
Get Ahead with eNotes
Start your 48-hour free trial to access everything you need to rise to the top of the class. Enjoy expert answers and study guides ad-free and take your learning to the next level.
Already a member? Log in here.
