Exploring enjambment in Alfred, Lord Tennyson's ‘The Lady of Shalott’

English

In 'Myths and Legends Re-Told', pupils explore how they can alter traditional stories to convey modern ideas and morals. In 'Animal Farm: the Pigs and Power', pupils learn about Orwell's allegory and understand how he uses an apparently simple fairy story to convey a political message. 

In 'Step Into the Unknown', pupils look at the ways in which famous children's writers create convincing settings, particularly through descriptions of windows and doors. In 'Myths and Legends Re-Told', pupils take inspiration from the ways in which writers and poets use powerful imagery and symbolism, to inspire their own writing. 

In this unit, pupils read and explore a range of text types in connection to classical myths and legends. They first look at poetry before doing some descriptive writing inspired by poetry and paintings. They then explore Chaucer and modern retellings of myths to inspire their narrative writing.

Myths, legends and stories that inspire

Expressions that are regarded as coarse or otherwise unacceptable, including swear words and rude words.

Subjects which particular individuals may be sensitive to, eg, adoption, migration, bereavement or death, divorce, poverty, deprivation.

Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

there is no punctuation in the middle of a line of poetry.

there is punctuation in the middle of a line of poetry.

there is no punctuation at the end of a line of poetry.

any punctuation is used at the end of a line of poetry.

a poet uses punctuation to foreshadow a future event.

Enjambment is when... (‘Myths, legends and stories that inspire’)

We learn about two settings: Shalott and Camelot.

We learn about the curse and the Lady of Shalott’s life.

The Lady of Shalott stops weaving to look at Sir Lancelot.

The Lady of Shalott dies traveling to Camelot.

Match each part of ‘The Lady of Shalott’ to what happens in it. (‘Myths, legends and stories that inspire’)

Enjambment is when there is no punctuation at the {{ }} of a line of poetry. (‘Myths, legends and stories that inspire’)

You should link enjambment to the ideas in a poem.

You should analyse every single use of enjambment in the same paragraph.

You should use quotation to pinpoint a specific example of enjambment.

What is true when analysing enjambment? (‘Myths, legends and stories that inspire’)

Sir Lancelot is confined because he can ride wherever he likes.

The citizens of Camelot can't leave the city: they are not confined.

The Lady of Shalott is confined to a tower because of a curse.

The Lady of Shalott has a lot of freedom because she is confined to a tower.

Which sentences use the word confined correctly? (‘Myths, legends and stories that inspire’)

{{ }} is when a writer gives a hint or indication of something that will happen in the future. (‘Myths, legends and stories that inspire’)

repetition of similar sounds in one or more words, especially in poems

an indication of something happening in the future

Match the poetic terms to their meanings (‘Myths, legends and stories that inspire’).

In ‘The Lady of Shalott’, why is the Lady of Shalott confined to a tower on the island of Shalott? (‘Myths, legends and stories that inspire’)

It is where King Arthur and his knights live.

It is where the Lady of Shalott travels to at the end of the poem.

What is true of Camelot, an important location in ‘The Lady of Shalott’? (‘Myths, legends and stories that inspire’)

We learn about the curse on the Lady of Shalott.

The Lady of Shalott expresses loneliness.

The Lady of Shalott leaves her weaving to see Sir Lancelot.

Knowing the curse is on her, the Lady of Shalott leaves her tower.

The Lady of Shalott sings as she sails to Camelot.

The Lady of Shalott dies whilst traveling to Camelot.

People from Camelot come and look at the Lady of Shalott’s body.

Starting with the first, put these plot points telling the story of ‘The Lady of Shalott’ in chronological order. (‘Myths, legends and stories that inspire’)

What are some of the things the Lady of Shalott sees from her tower in ‘The Lady of Shalott’? (‘Myths, legends and stories that inspire’)

In ‘The Lady of Shalott’, Tennyson writes “A {{ }} is on her, if she stay/ Her weaving, either night or day”. (‘Myths, legends and stories that inspire’)

Content guidance

Contains strong language

Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

Adult supervision recommended

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.

Exploring enjambment in Alfred, Lord Tennyson's ‘The Lady of Shalott’

Lesson outcome

Content guidance

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.