Poetry for a Lady

The Lady of Shalott by John William Waterhouse

Willows whiten, aspens quiver,

Little breezes dusk and shiver

Through the wave that runs for ever

By the island in the river

            Flowing down to Camelot.

Four gray walls, and four gray towers,

Overlook a space of flowers,

And the silent isle imbowers

            The Lady of Shalott.

-“The Lady of Shalott” by Alfred Lord Tennyson

            The title of a lady is wholly undeserved if one does not possess the appropriate graces and accomplishments. All young ladies must set themselves to the task of attaining a broad knowledge of literature. Although literature is only one among many of the areas in which a lady must immerse herself, it is not to be neglected. As an introduction to this art, I will familiarize my readers with a fine work written by Alfred Lord Tennyson. Tennyson may be called the greatest poet of the present area. A lady who knows nothing of this writer may expose herself to humiliation if the topic arises in conversation, as she will appear to be quite unlearned.

“The Lady of Shalott” is one of Tennyson’s most famous works. It has much historical value, as it is based on Arthurian legend. It details the story of a lady who lives alone in a tower, and is unable to look down directly at the beautiful world on the outside. Subject to a curse, her unfortunate fate is sealed when she leaves the tower for love of Sir Lancelot. Although artistic circles offer varying interpretations of this intricate poem, it is, at its most basic level, a tragic love story. Surely, all young ladies can benefit from taking the time to read Tennyson’s masterpiece.