How is the Lady of Shalott poem chivalrous?
http://charon.sfsu.edu/TENNYSON/TENNLADY.HTML
http://www.pathguy.com/shalott.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Lady_of_Shalott
http://www.sparknotes.com/poetry/tennyson/section2.rhtml
References to Lancelot, Camelot, knights -- all having to do with chivalry.
To determine how the Lady of Shalott poem is chivalrous, we can analyze the elements of chivalry present in the poem. Here's how you can approach this:
1. Read the poem: Start by reading the Lady of Shalott poem by Alfred, Lord Tennyson. This will give you a comprehensive understanding of the narrative, characters, and themes.
2. Understand chivalry: Chivalry is a medieval code of conduct primarily associated with knights and nobles. It encompasses values such as honor, courage, loyalty, and courtly love. It often includes a sense of idealized morality.
3. Identify chivalric themes: Look for the presence of chivalric themes and elements in the poem. For example:
- Courtly love: The poem explores the Lady of Shalott's love and fascination with Sir Lancelot, a knight of King Arthur's court. Courtly love is a key aspect of chivalry, emphasizing a noble love between a knight and a noble lady.
- Honor and loyalty: The Lady of Shalott remains faithful to her artistic pursuits and secluded life, even when tempted by the outside world. This demonstrates her commitment to her chosen path, which can be seen as honorable and loyal to herself.
- Sacrifice: The Lady of Shalott sacrifices her safety and comforts when she decides to leave the tower upon glimpsing Sir Lancelot. Sacrifice, often for the greater good or for love, is another theme frequently associated with chivalry.
4. Analyze character traits: Look at the characterization of the Lady of Shalott and other figures in the poem. Examine whether their behavior aligns with chivalric ideals. Consider their actions, motivations, and relationships to identify traits reflecting chivalry.
5. Interpret through context: Consider the socio-political context in which the poem was written. The Lady of Shalott was written during the Victorian era when romanticized views of medieval chivalry were prevalent. Understanding this background can provide additional insights.
By following these steps and analyzing the presence of chivalric themes and elements, you can determine how the Lady of Shalott poem exhibits chivalry.