Poetry · Character

Basil

The pot of basil that Isabel nurtures, almost a character itself.

minor

Also known as it, its

First appearance: i

Basil shows up with force in Isabella, or the Pot of Basil. The page is where that presence becomes real.

The basil plant that grows from Lorenzo's head, which Isabella tends obsessively.

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In Isabella, or the Pot of Basil: The basil plant that grows from Lorenzo's head, which Isabella tends obsessively. Later, in XXXVII: The…

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The fuller portrait of Basil sits in Reading Lens — open the free preview to keep reading with notes on the page.

Narrative arc

Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.

The emotional and psychological peak occurs when the King, overwhelmed by his own confession, reveals Bertha’s…

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Basil appears across 11 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Isabella, or the Pot of Basil
The basil plant that grows from Lorenzo's head, which Isabella tends obsessively.
XXXVII
The basil plant with dewy bright eyes that keeps phantom fear aloof from Isabel.
XLVIII
The basil plant is the object of Isabel's labor, symbolizing her buried love.
LI
The basil plant is the object of Isabel's mourning and care.
LII
The plant is placed in a garden-pot as a tomb for her lover.
LIII
The basil plant is the sole object of Isabel's attention, which she waters with her tears.
LIV
The basil plant grows beautifully, fed by Isabel's tears and the hidden head.
LVIII
The basil plant flourishes as if by magic, central to Isabel's fixation and her brothers' confusion.
LIX
The basil plant is the object of Isabel's obsessive care and mourning.
LXII
The basil plant that Isabel mourns and seeks, stolen from her.
LXIII
The stolen basil-pot that Isabel mourns.

Chapter companion notes

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