Central Concepts and Competences

Sitong Liu
6439576

Examining the Clash of Mass and Elite Culture in The Lady of Shalott
As the lady of Shalott sits secluded on her island, confined to a life of weaving what
she perceives through a mirror, Alfred, Lord Tennyson, weaves a tale of cultural tensions that
still resonate today. His narrative poem, The Lady of Shalott, portrays the tragic experience of
the cursed protagonist, who is relegated to a life of isolation on the island of Shalott. She is
constrained from gazing directly at the external world and is only able to weave what she
observes in a mirror. Regrettably, when she falls prey to the temptation of observing Sir
Lancelot, her fate is sealed, and she eventually drifts downstream towards Camelot to meet
her end. The Lady of Shalott can be interpreted as a commentary on the persistent and
complex tensions that often exist between mass and elite culture and serves as a reflective
representation of the anxieties held by the Victorian society surrounding the potential
negative impact of industrialization and urbanization on established values. Within this essay,
we will delve into the interplay of mass and elite culture present in The Lady of Shalott,
critically evaluating how Tennyson's skilful utilization of imagery and symbolism effectively
communicates this central theme.
Mass culture encompasses the popular forms of entertainment and consumption that
have mass appeal, including novels, magazines, newspapers, music halls, etc. On the other
hand, elite culture consists of highbrow art and literature that are highly esteemed by a
smaller and more educated demographic, including poetry, painting, sculpture, and opera. In
the Victorian era, these two types of culture coexisted and interacted with one another, but
occasionally they competed and conflicted. While some critics regarded mass culture as a
potential threat to elite culture, viewing it as a corrupting influence on public taste and
morals, others recognized it as a democratic and progressively inclined force that challenged
the authority and exclusivity of elite culture (Brillenburg Wurth et al. 273-297). This essay
will provide a critical examination of how these two cultures portrayed in the poem are
exemplified.
The Lady of Shalott has achieved notable acclaim for its evocative imagery and
exploration of themes including isolation, temptation, and the deleterious effects of love. Its
enduring popularity is evidenced by its inclusion in numerous anthologies and the diverse
interpretations of its storyline across various cultural contexts. In addition to its literary
significance, the poem can be viewed as a representation of the tension between mass and
elite culture from various viewpoints. First of all, the poem itself is a hybrid form that
Central Concepts and Competences
Sitong Liu
6439576

combines elements from both types of culture. It is based on a medieval legend that was
popularized by Sir Thomas Malory's Le Morte d'Arthur (1485), a chivalric romance that was
widely read and enjoyed by both aristocrats and masses in the Victorian era. However,
Tennyson also adds his original touches to the story, notably the lady's funeral barge and the
knight's shining armor. He also uses sophisticated poetic language that draws from various
sources, such as classical mythology—the Greek myth of Lancelot and Guinevere;
Shakespearean imagery, including the tragic figure of Ophelia from Shakespeare's Hamlet,
who drowns herself in a river after being spurned by her lover. Its Gothic components,
including the supernatural curse and magic tapestry, are all characteristic of the Romantic and
Victorian periods. Thus, the poem can be seen as a fusion of mass and elite culture that
appeals to both types of audiences.
In addition, the poem illustrates the conflict between mass and elite cultures using its
portrayals of characters and settings. In The Lady of Shalott, Tennyson portrays the main
character as a representation of elite culture: an artist who creates a tapestry that reflects her
worldview. It is notable, however, that her art is based solely on images that are reflected
from a mirror and lacks direct observation or first-hand experience. Moreover, she leads an
isolated existence, cut off from social interactions and reality. Her artistic creations are
without recognition or appreciation, and her work remains unknown to any audience or
market. Thus, she emerges as a tragic figure, embodying the plight of the elite artist who
produces high culture, yet finds herself alienated and unhappy. She is depicted as a subdued
character, prohibited from direct interaction with the world beyond her window. This
representation of the lady can be interpreted as a situation of the isolation and restriction
often experienced by women during the Victorian era, which aligns with the Victorian era's
societal concept of "angel in the house," as coined by poet Coventry Patmore in his poem of
the same name in 1887. The said concept embodies a passive and domesticated form of
womanhood, one that dictates that women should restrict themselves to the private domain of
the home.
While the inhabitants of Camelot are emblematic of mass culture, inhabiting a vibrant
city and engaging in diverse events, like “a funeral, with plumes and lights, and music” (67),
they have access to direct observation of reality. Moreover, Tennyson effectively depicts Sir
Lancelot as a courageous hero embroiled in the dynamic realm of movement and adventure.
A loyal knight driven by notions of honor and prestige, he dutifully serves his monarch and
Central Concepts and Competences
Sitong Liu
6439576

embodies the virtuous traits of courage and chivalry. Revered and esteemed by all, he is
widely recognized as a renowned figure and an ideal to aspire towards. In essence, Lancelot
represents a widely popular hero who is both reflective of mass culture and yet triumphantly
accomplished and content. The world in which Lancelot lives is dynamic yet merciless,
devoid of concern for aesthetics or veracity. His pursuits center around the pursuit of acclaim
and honor, without considering more profound themes or interpersonal connections.
Tragically, he remains indifferent to the welfare and emotions of the lady, as well as her
selfless acts. It is only after her passing that he displays any recognition or regard for her,
failing to appreciate her while she was still living.
In addition, the use of symbols in this poem also reflects the elitist attitudes of the
Victorian upper class. The lady's intricate weaving, which she skillfully weaves throughout
the poem, serves as a representation of her innate artistic ability and creativity. Nevertheless,
this artistic potential remains unrecognized and unutilized, as she fails to share it with the
external environment. This aligns with the Victorian notion that art was a privilege reserved
exclusively for the elite, rather than a universal human right. The curse can be interpreted as
an allegory for the limitations imposed by societal norms of the Victorian era on the elite.
The poem conveys the notion that the lady’s pursuit to extend her boundaries ultimately
results in her unfortunate downfall. This substantial warning highlights the significance of
following conventional social standards and embracing prescribed societal roles to preserve
community stability and order. Equally, the poem implies the Victorian mindset that
maintaining a clear separation between mass and elite cultural spheres is essential for
maintaining social harmony and stability.
In contrast to the harsh and unforgiving reality depicted in the outside world, the
mirror provides the lady with a distorted and indirect view of reality, which can be seen as
representative of idealism. The lady's romantic view of the world is portrayed through her
fascination with the mirror, as she longs to be a part of the image and experience the outside
world firsthand. Through her tapestry, the lady has created an idealized vision of the world
beyond her tower, symbolizing the human desire for transcendence and beauty, which was
central to the Romantic and Victorian eras.
Thus, the lady of Shalott's isolation and confinement in the tower can be seen as a
metaphor for the separation between mass and elite culture. By observing and analyzing real-
world occurrences, she weaves her web. This parallels how artists draw inspiration from daily
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life to produce their works, wherein they keenly observe life, leading to complete
engagement in life being unattainable.
Tennyson's poetic descriptions of the idyllic fields bursting with barley and rye and
the picturesque road leading to Camelot have long been celebrated in literary and artistic
circles since the Renaissance for their depiction of pastoral beauty and freedom. However, for
the lady of Shalott, these very same evocative descriptions served only to amplify her
feelings of social and cultural isolation and reinforce her sense of separation from society.
The lady's physical confinement within a tower and her work of weaving further highlighted
her disconnection with the world outside. Despite these constraints, her attraction to Sir
Lancelot and subsequent decision to leave the tower and explore the world demonstrated her
deep longing for independence and freedom. Her yearning to experience life beyond the
tower is symbolic of the artist's desire for a secular existence, highlighting the sharp divide
between mass and elite cultures. Nonetheless, her tragic downfall indicates that neither elite
nor mass culture succeeds in fulfilling the deep-rooted human desires for both purpose and
happiness. The lady's impressive artwork, although stunning, ultimately proves empty, as it
fails to accurately depict reality and it is devoid of genuine emotion. She yearns for a greater
meaning beyond what her reflection can offer and desires love and vitality. Upon
encountering Lancelot, her attraction to his energy and charm is palpable, as he embodies
everything she feels is missing from her life. However, the moment she frees herself of the
curse and gazes upon Lancelot unobstructed, she realizes too late that she has forfeited her
artwork, along with the sole purpose it held. Her identity is lost, and the love and admiration
she had hoped to obtain from Lancelot are unfulfilled. However, the lady's yearning for a
more substantive existence beyond her current circumstances is also relatable to a mass
audience, making the poem timeless in its ability to resonate with readers from all
backgrounds. The theme of seeking liberation and release from confinement is one that
touches all people, regardless of social and cultural boundaries, making this work a powerful
and enduring piece of literature.
The poem suggests that achieving concurrence or harmony between mass and elite
cultures is not a simple task, as they are incompatible and cannot be reconciled. An alternate
interpretation of the poem may be viewed as apprehension about the potential negative
impact that industrialized mass culture may have on the traditionally held values of elitist
culture. The demise of lady Shalott could be construed as a symbolic representation of the
Central Concepts and Competences
Sitong Liu
6439576

decline of elite culture in light of mass culture. Within the elite culture, mass culture has
traditionally been viewed as inferior and deleterious due to its perceived absence of
authenticity and self-expression. Consequently, the impact of industrialization will gradually
erode elite culture, akin to how lady shalott's life spiralled towards self-destruction.
The Lady of Shalott is not only an elite classic but also has had an immense impact on
mass culture, particularly in music and film. The poem grapples with themes of isolation,
confinement, and self-expression, and it has resonated with diverse audiences across cultures
and eras, leading to its successful transformation across various media. In the 20th century,
numerous musical works were inspired by the poem. One noteworthy example is Loreena
McKennitt's 1991 rendition, which gained widespread acclaim and introduced the poem to a
new generation. Additionally, The Lady of Shalott has been adapted into numerous films and
television programs, including Nicole Loven's 2009 short film and Sheila Graber's 1976
pastel animation. These adaptations demonstrate that the poem's themes and messages still
hold relevance in contemporary culture, cementing its enduring importance.
In conclusion, the poem The Lady of Shalott by Alfred, Lord Tennyson presents a
thought-provoking perspective on the intricate and ongoing tensions between mass and elite
culture. Tennyson skillfully employs vivid imagery and symbolism to convey his main idea
of yearning for independence and autonomy. By portraying the lady of Shalott's isolation
within a tower and limited capacity to interact with the outside world, the poem underscores
the boundary between elite and mass cultures, while her attraction towards Sir Lancelot
exemplifies her longing for a connection with the masses. Additionally, the poem's use of
classical mythology and pastoral imagery contributes to its timelessness and significance.

Bibliography
1. Brillenburg Wurth, Kiene, and Ann Rigney. The Life of Texts: An Introduction to
Literary Studies. Amsterdam University Press, 2019, pp 273-297. Accessed 04
January 2022.
2. Patmore Coventry. The Angel in the House. Cassell 1887.
3. Tennyson, Alfred. The Lady of Shalott. Poetry Foundation, Poetry Foundation, 1842,
https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/45360/the-lady-of-shalott-1842.