She left the web, she left the loom, She made three paces through the room, She saw the water-lily bloom, She saw the helmet and the plume, She looked down to Camelot. Out flew the web and floated wide; The mirror cracked from side to side; 'The curse is come upon me,' cried The Lady of Shalott.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- The Lady of Shalott abandons her loom, sees symbols of Camelot, and curses her fate.
- In plain terms
- She breaks her routine, sees destiny, and laments her curse.
- What can you take from it?
- Changing one’s path can reveal hidden truths, but may bring sorrow.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What routines have you left behind?
- Did the change bring unexpected outcomes?
Another view
The narrative is symbolic, not a literal guide.
More from Alfred (Lord) Tennyson
From the bank and from the river He flashed into the crystal mirror, 'Tirra lirra,' by the river Sang Sir Lancelot.
Permalink to quote #86 Lying, robed in snowy white That loosely flew to left and right - The leaves upon her falling light - Thro' the noises of the night, She floated down to Camelo…
Permalink to quote #88 All in the blue unclouded weather Thick-jewelled shone the saddle-leather, The helmet and the helmet-feather Burned like one burning flame together, As he rode…
Permalink to quote #85
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