The Lady of Shalott (poem)

"The Lady of Shalott" by Alfred Lord Tennyson is a poetic depiction of a woman living isolated in a tower near Camelot, cursed never to look directly at the world but only through a mirror. She weaves her tapestry based on reflections, longing to experience life outside. When she finally gazes directly at Sir Lancelot, breaking her curse, she is doomed, choosing to leave her tower and face her fate. The poem explores themes of longing, creativity, and the consequences of desire, illustrating the tension between artistic detachment and the human need for real connection.