Discussion Questions:
1230:

• What is a "prosaic devotion to the Victorian gospel of hard work" (1230)?

• Explain:  "His most memorable characters . . . long for reunions and releases that are ever yet to come" (1232).

"The Lady of Shalott" (1832/1842)
1235:

• Describe the rhyme scheme.

• Why do only the reapers hear her singing?

• Explain the significance of the mirror (46-72).
• Explain:  "I am half sick of shadows" (71).

• What is the curse of the Lady of Shalott (109-17)?
• What has she done to bring this curse upon herself?

• Why exactly does she die?
• Explain Lancelot's final words (169-71).

"The Lotos-Eaters" (1832/1842)
1240:

• Explain the meter of line two.
• Describe the effects of the lotos plant.

• Explain:  "We only toil, who are the first of things" (61).

• Describe the tone of lines 77-83.

• Explain stanza six.

• Explain the final three lines.

"The Charge of the Light Brigade" (1854)
1292:

• Explain lines 13-15.

• For what exactly should the six hundred be honored?