The Lady of Shalott

Consonance, the repetition of consonant sounds within nearby words, is used in the poem to enhance the poem's musicality and contribute to its overall aesthetic. The strategic use of consonance serves to underscore themes of isolation, monotony, and inevitability within the narrative.

Throughout the poem, there is a consistent use of consonance, such as in the line "Long fields of barley and of rye." The repetition of the "l" and "r" sounds creates a fluid and rhythmic quality, echoing the vast expanse of the fields and emphasizing the Lady's observational distance.

Another instance is found in the line "And the silent isle imbowers." Here, the repeated "s" sounds in "silent isle" and "imbowers" create a hushed and serene atmosphere, underscoring the quiet seclusion of the Lady within her tower.

Furthermore, the line "I am half-sick of shadows" utilizes consonance with the repeated "sh" sound, adding a sense of melancholy that underscores the Lady's weariness and discontent with her confined existence. In the description "Under tower and balcony," the repetition of the "t" and "r" sounds contributes to the rhythmic quality of the line, enhancing the overall cadence of the poem.

Alliteration enhances “The Lady of Shalott”’s rhythmic quality and contributes to its overall auditory impact. The strategic use of alliteration serves to emphasize certain phrases, evoke specific moods, and reinforce the thematic elements of the narrative.

A notable example of alliteration occurs in the refrain, "Willows whiten, aspens quiver." The repetition of the "w" sound creates a soft and flowing rhythm, mirroring the gentle movements of the willows and aspens. This alliterative pattern not only contributes to the musicality of the poem but also adds to the sense of monotony, emphasizing the cyclic nature of the Lady's repetitive actions.

In addition, the line "Four gray walls, and four gray towers" employs alliteration with the repetition of the "f" and "g" sounds. This alliterative construction contributes to the description of the Lady's enclosed environment, adding a rhythmic quality that enhances the portrayal of the static and confining nature of her surroundings.

Furthermore, alliteration is present in lines like "And the silent isle imbowers" and "Singing in her song she died." The repeated "s" sounds in these phrases create a soft and serene atmosphere, echoing the quiet and isolated nature of the Lady's surroundings. This alliterative choice reinforces the theme of her seclusion within the tower.

Alfred Tennyson employs anaphora, the repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses or verses, in "The Lady of Shalott" to enhance the poem's rhythmic structure and emphasize thematic elements.

A notable example of anaphora in the poem is the repetition of "Out" in the lines "Out flew the web and floated wide" and "Out sang the stars of the midnight." This repetition at the beginning of successive lines creates a sense of movement and liberation, emphasizing the transformative nature of the Lady's decision to leave her confinement.

Moreover, the repetition of "She sees" in the lines "She sees a highway near the wall" and "She sees before her, swinging wide" serves as an anaphoric device. This repetition underscores the Lady's observational role and adds to the contemplative mood of the poem.

The use of "She left" in the lines "She left the web, she left the loom," also serves as an anaphoric device. The repetition reinforces the significance of the Lady's departure from her weaving, marking a pivotal moment in the narrative as she defies societal norms.

The repeated use of "And" in lines such as "And as the boat-head wound along" and "And in the blue unclouded weather" serves as another instance of anaphora. This repetition at the beginning of clauses creates a rhythmic pattern, adding to the musical quality of the poem and emphasizing the sequence of events.

Tennyson employs enjambment to create a sense of fluidity, connectivity, and to propel the poem’s narrative forward. Enjambment is used to connect lines and convey a continuous, unbroken movement. An example can be found in the opening stanza: "Four gray walls, and four gray towers, / Overlook a space of flowers." The enjambment between these lines emphasizes the spatial connection between the towers and the landscape, creating a smooth transition and maintaining a sense of cohesion.

In the line "She knows not what the curse may be," the enjambment carries the reader into the next line, creating a deliberate sense of uncertainty that mirrors the Lady's lack of knowledge about her curse.

Enjambment is particularly effective in lines such as "And down the river's dim expanse / Like some bold seër in a trance," where the continuation of the thought without a pause contributes to the depiction of the river's mysterious and uninterrupted flow.

In "She sees a highway near the wall, / Along the highway runs," enjambment connects the observation of the highway with its subsequent description, facilitating a seamless transition between the Lady's perception and the unfolding scene.