Descriptive writing using Lord Tennyson's 'The Lady of Shalott' as stimulus
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can create a powerful atmosphere in my creative writing through language choices and symbolism inspired by Alfred, Lord Tennyson’s ‘The Lady of Shalott’.
Key learning points
- Symbolism is when writers use something tangible to represent an intangible idea.
- Tennyson’s use of symbols is one way he creates a sombre atmosphere, particularly in Part 4 of ‘The Lady of Shalott’.
- Key symbols in ‘The Lady of Shalott’ include a willow tree to symbolise grief, and a pearl to symbolise perfection.
- Tennyson also relies on pathetic fallacy to create a sombre and dramatic atmosphere in Part 4 of the poem.
- You can employ pathetic fallacy and symbolism in your own writing to create a distinctive atmosphere.
Keywords
Atmospheric - creating a powerful and identifiable mood.
Symbolism - when writers use something to represent intangible ideas; for example, a rose as a symbol for love.
Pathetic fallacy - in literature, when the weather reflects the mood.
Swan song - a metaphor for a final act before death; this phrase comes from an ancient belief that swans sing a beautiful song before they die.
Sombre - serious, sad.
Common misconception
Writers can use any object to symbolise any idea.
Writers can get their messages across via inventive and innovative methods. However, there are some key symbols in literature which have a generally accepted meaning. For example, a rose to symbolise love, or a pearl to symbolise perfection.
Teacher tip
Consider how long your pupils will need to write two paragraphs of atmospheric writing, and plan the rest of the timings of the lesson from there.
Equipment
Pupils will need a copy of Part 4 of 'The Lady of Shalott' by Alfred, Lord Tennyson which can be found in the additional materials.
Content guidance
Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
Depiction or discussion of sexual content
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Starting with the first section, put the four parts of Tennyson's 'The Lady of Shalott' ('Myths, Legends and stories that inspire') in chronological order.
Q2.Match each of these characters, all important to 'The Lady of Shalott' ('Myths, Legends and stories that inspire'), to what we find out about them.
a cursed artist
a brave knight
someone who hears the Lady of Shalott singing
people the Lady of Shalott sees in the mirror
Q3.In 'The Lady of Shalott' ('Myths, Legends and stories that inspire'), how does the Lady of Shalott arrive in Camelot?
Q4.Match each of these terms, important to the analysis of 'The Lady of Shalott' ('Myths, Legends and stories that inspire'), to their definitions.
when the weather reflects the mood of a character or event
when writers use something tangible to represent an intangible idea
a method of comparison when you say one thing is another
Q5.In 'The Lady of Shalott' ('Myths, Legends and stories that inspire'), what is the Lady of Shalott wearing as she sails to Camelot?
Q6.In 'The Lady of Shalott' ('Myths, Legends and stories that inspire'), what does the parchment (paper) say about the Lady of Shalott? It is found on her body at the very end of the poem.
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.In ‘The Lady of Shalott’ ('Myths, Legends and stories that inspire’), what type of tree is the Lady of Shalott's boat under?
Q2.In 'The Lady of Shalott' ('Myths, Legends and stories that inspire'), what is on the Lady of Shalott's head as she sails towards Camelot?
Q3.In 'The Lady of Shalott' ('Myths, Legends and stories that inspire'), what does the Lady of Shalott do as she sails towards Camelot?
Q4.In 'The Lady of Shalott' ('Myths, Legends and stories that inspire'), what is the weather like as the Lady of Shalott sails towards Camelot?
Q5.In 'The Lady of Shalott' ('Myths, Legends and stories that inspire'), why might we describe the mood of Part 4 of the poem as sombre?
Q6.Match each stanza from Part 4 of 'The Lady of Shalott' ('Myths, Legends and stories that inspire') to its focus.
the wild weather is described
the Lady of Shalott's outfit is described
the Lady of Shalott starts sailing to Camelot
the Lady of Shalott starts singing her deathsong
the Lady of Shalott dies
people from Camelot come to see the Lady of Shalott’s body
To help you plan your 8 English lesson on: Descriptive writing using Lord Tennyson's 'The Lady of Shalott' as stimulus, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 8 English lesson on: Descriptive writing using Lord Tennyson's 'The Lady of Shalott' as stimulus, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 3 English lessons from the Myths, legends and stories that inspire unit, dive into the full secondary English curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.