Tennyson, Alfred (Lord). (1832)
The Lady of Shalott. Reprinted (2009) Visions in
Poetry Series. Kids Can Press, Toronto ON Canada. With
illustrations by Geneviéve Cotè. ISBN 978-1-55453-457-9
. All ages.
Publishers Summary:
Tennyson's
beautiful and enigmatic poem of unrequited love, set in
Arthurian England, has enthralled artists for well over
a century. With her luminous illustrations, Geneviève
Côté weaves a refreshingly modern interpretation of this
beloved poem — one that will enchant readers of all
ages. (Kids Can Press)
Our
Thoughts:
“She knows not what the curse
may be...”
Living as a
recluse, denying the inevitable curse of mankind---our
mortality--- the Lady of Shalott finally breaks free of
her prison when faced with a vision of love she cannot
resist: Sir Lancelot. The artist’s rendition of a final
metamorphosis can be interpreted many ways, but at the
least signifies how the beauty of our nature as Created
beings is exposed when we follow the path for which we
were created.
Perhaps your
kids have trouble relating to classic poetry? Or they
just can’t envision a world hundreds of years ago so
different from their own? Then try this Visions in
Poetry series which reprints classic poetry with modern
art interpretative illustrations. Geneviéve Cotè has
interpreted this classic tale through beautiful mixed
media illustrations, giving some sense of the modern to
the historic.
Consider
reading it aloud in class, or together with your family
as part of your Family Reading Hour or Family Book Club.
Family members or students can take turns giving their
best vocal interpretation to the tale.
In a classroom
or homeschool setting, have older students read a
traditional version of Tennyson first, such as found in
Poetical Works: Tennyson (Wordsworth Poetry Library)
and then read this
version. Compare and contrast...what difference did the
illustrations make to their interpretation? To their
enjoyment?
In any
setting, listen to the sung version by
Loreena McKennitt. Then muse on the poem's ending:
“But Lancelot mused a little
space,
He said, ‘She has a lovely
face;
God in his mercy lend her
grace,
The Lady of Shalott.”
Want to
talk about it? Visit the
Litland.com Blog!
