An explanation of Tennyson's The Lady of Shalott Children often grow up hearing fairy tales. Repunsel is a fairy tale about a girl condemned to live a life of isolation in a tower. He longs to break free from isolation and become part of the outside world. She eventually finds her one true love and risks her life to be with him. "The Lady of Shalott" by Lord Alfred Tennyson refers to Repunsel in many ways. In this poem, Tennyson tells a story of isolation. The woman in this ballad is also condemned to remain forever on her protected island. If he even looks at Camelot, he will die. He finally sees his "knight of the red cross" (line 78). The Lady of Shalott flees her “silent isle[ed],” but dies tragically before even meeting Lnacelot (17). In reality, many people do not experience this extreme form of isolation, although it is very common for someone to change their life or even risk their life to be with the person they love. Tennyson begins with the total isolation of the beautiful, young Lady of Shalott surrounded by "Four gray walls and four gray towers" (15). He knows nothing of humanity outside his chambers. His only knowledge of reality is the shadows he sees through his "transparent mirror" (46) and the web he "weaves night and day" (37). At this point in the ballad, the reader does not know whether the Lady of Shalott is forced into this situation or chooses to live a life of complete isolation. She seems quite happy with her current surroundings. Looking at himself through his crystal mirror is all he needs to sing his "merry ringing song" (30). The lady has no desire to leave her private world because she is unaware of any other type of... means of paper... ever provided to justify her stay in the room by an outside source. Also, why did she have to die in the end? Is it possible that she ultimately committed suicide because she realized that her love for Lancelot was futile? These are questions that may remain in your mind after reading Tennyson's poem. Even today it is possible to perceive the endless struggle that the Lady of Shalott had to face. Tennyson shows the development of a young woman who is facing one of the most difficult times in life, growing up in a world full of rules and restrictions as she becomes a woman. His subtle description of a girl's problems is slightly exaggerated, but it is still valid today. Works Cited Tennyson, Lord Alfred. "The Lady of Shalott." Literature of Great Britain. Elements of Literature 6th Course. Austin: Holt, Rinehart and Winston, Inc., 1993. 784-788.