'Isabella, or the Pot of Basil' summary analysis

Last updated: 15/11/2023
Isabella, or the Pot of Basil - summary analysis
Main Subject
Key stage
Exam board
Category
Poetry: Anthology poetry
Resource type
Revision
Author
John Keats
Genre
Tragedy

This useful resource is suitable for KS5 students studying the poem ‘Isabella, or the Pot of Basil’ by John Keats during their A-level English Literature course. It particularly suits students preparing for the AQA A-level English Literature B exam specification.

The resource features detailed notes in a comprehensive table, including a plot summary of John Keats’ narrative poem about the fate of Isabella and Lorenzo, the tragic heroine and victim.

Students can explore notes on key methods, context, aspects of the tragedy genre and a range of differing interpretations evaluating Keats’ poem ‘Isabella’.

This table can also be used for students when revising for AQA A-level English Literature B or for support before an assessment to reinforce their knowledge and understanding of this example of Keats’ poetry.

As they move through the notes, students can make connections between key moments in the poem, including what links Isabella and the pot of basil, the significance of Lorenzo’s head and malady afflicting Isabella by the end of the poem.

Browse additional classroom and revision resources in the A-level English Literature poetry section.

 

A sample extract from the resource:

AO2 methods

  • Pathetic fallacy: represents the two lovers.

Seasonal imagery shows the mortality of their love.

    • ‘thou are leading me from the wintry cold / Lady! thou leadest me to the summer clime.’
    • Summer represents the height of their love = natural + beautiful.
    • Foreshadows that their love will end, just like summer does, and they will both die from the winter.

All reviews

Have you used this resource?

5

28/09/2020

5

05/07/2020

5

24/02/2020

Fantastic resource - really useful. Thank you.

Barbara Kinsella

19/08/2019

5

28/09/2020

5

05/07/2020

5

24/02/2020

Fantastic resource - really useful. Thank you.

Barbara Kinsella

19/08/2019

5

11/04/2019