Here's why:
* Tells a Story: The poem narrates the story of the Lady of Shalott, her curse, and her tragic fate.
* Chronological Structure: The poem follows a relatively linear timeline of events.
* Focus on Action and Plot: The poem emphasizes the Lady's actions, her weaving, her glimpse of Lancelot, and her eventual journey to Camelot.
However, "The Lady of Shalott" also incorporates elements that make it more than just a simple narrative poem:
* Symbolism and Allegory: The poem is rich in symbolism, with the Lady representing a trapped artist, the curse representing artistic constraints, and the river representing the flow of time and fate.
* Lyrical Language: Tennyson uses vivid imagery and evocative language, contributing to the poem's poetic quality.
* Themes of Isolation and Destiny: The poem explores universal themes of isolation, destiny, and the consequences of defying fate.
Therefore, while it's primarily a narrative poem, "The Lady of Shalott" transcends simple storytelling to become a powerful, evocative, and multifaceted work of art.