Alfred Tennyson's "The Lady of Shalott" is a poignant narrative poem that explores themes of isolation, destiny, and the consequences of breaking societal norms.
The meter of Tennyson's poem is primarily iambic tetrameter, contributing to a steady and rhythmic flow.
Tennyson's original poem, with its iambic tetrameter, already possesses a rhythmic quality that aligns well with song lyrics. The structured meter provides a solid foundation for musical adaptation, allowing for a seamless transition from poetry to song. McKennitt capitalizes on this, using the poem's inherent meter as a scaffold upon which she builds a musical landscape.
The poem undergoes nuanced changes in the transition to song. McKennitt adds a musical introduction, interludes, and instrumental breaks, all of which enhance the emotional atmosphere. These alterations contribute to a more immersive experience, drawing the listener deeper into the Lady's world. The addition of McKennitt's vocals also introduces an emotional layer that resonates with the poem's themes, amplifying the sense of tragedy and destiny.