Isabella and the Pot of Basil

Question 1

Plot summary:

What is the plot summary?

Answer 1

Isabella loves Lorenzo.

Her brothers kill him, she buries his head in a pot of basil and cares him.

She dies of grief when they find it and her brothers face the result of their actions.

Question 2

Quotes:

There are 6

1. E R F B H M
2. G W M P T D A W T
3. A W M B P I W N P
4. U T M S S S T G
5. S W A L I F
6. S F T S T M A S (…) O C T S M B P A F M

Answer 2

Each richer for being a murderer - highlights brothers greed. A symbol for capitalism. Highlights that in a capitalist society wealth come before anything else.

Gush’s with more pride than do a wretch’s tears - juxtaposition of purity with greed. Criticising capitalism

“‘ And with My basil pot I will not part.’” – This line captures Isabella’s deep connection to her lover, symbolized by the basil pot. It shows her obsessive mourning and a desperate attempt to keep a part of him alive.

Upon the murderous spot she seemed to grow - highlights the strength of their love. Even though he is dead she continues to blossom

“She wept, and let it flow” – This line highlights Isabella’s deep sorrow after the murder of her lover, Lorenzo, emphasizing her grief and helplessness.

She forgot the stars, the moon and sun (…) o cruelty to steal my Basil Pot away from me’ - distraught from the loss of Lorenzo and childlike, as the audience we feel pity

Question 3

Aspects of tragedy:

What are the themes of this poem (4 GIG) and how can tragic victims and villain’s be seen?

Answer 3

Grief, Isolation, Greed.

Tragic victim:

Isabella- she loses everything.

Lorenzo - treated as a commodity.

Tragic Villain:

The brother’s greed. In a wider theme capitalism