The Dullness of Shalott

Parts I and II of Tennyson's "The Lady of Shalott" highlights the contrast between the island of Shalott and the surrounding lands. The reader learns that "Four gray walls, and four gray towers, / Overlook a space of flowers, / And the silent isle imbowers / The lady of Shalott" (15-18). Tennyson reveals little else about Shalott itself, though that the Lady of Shalott has "little other care" than her weaving (44) implies that there is little else to say about Shalott. It is a dull and featureless island that most people pass right by without noticing; only the nearby reapers ever remark on "the fairy / Lady of Shalott" (35-36).

The second and third stanzas of Part II list people who pass by Shalott while going to and from Camelot. For example, "Sometimes a troop of damsels glad, / An abbot on an ambling pad, / Sometimes a curly shepherd-lad, / Or long-hair'd page in crimson clad" each go by within a single line of verse (55-58). The quickness with which Tennyson presents these people conveys the fullness of activity not far from the island. The highway to Camelot is energetic, noisy, bustling, and exciting. However, all that our poor Lady gets to see of this is shadows in her mirror. Looking at the liveliness right outside her window is too big a risk. She must remain in the dullness of Shalott.

Did you know that there is a Lady of Shalott flower?