The Pot of Basil

"The Pot of Basil" is a poem by John Keats that tells the tragic story of a young woman who loves a neighbor. Her jealous brothers murder him to prevent their relationship. She keeps his head in a pot of basil as a way to preserve her love and memory. When she learns of his death, she mourns deeply and is eventually haunted by her grief. The poem explores themes of love, sorrow, and the destructive power of jealousy. It highlights how love and grief can become intertwined, leading to both emotional pain and poetic beauty.