'This Living Hand' | A close reading of Keats

[@janetrichards5353]

This was the first time I've heard this and has made me think I really need to read more Keats. As for the poem itself- my immediate thought was that the hand is of a person on their sickbed and you (the reader) are the nursing loved one. Yet also- given Keats understanding of nursing, he (and we) are both the dying-sick and the nursing-loved one. At the time it was written, everyone had the experience of nursing a family member or a close friend. Sitting by their bedside with that faint hopeful glimmer fading as they reach out for you but there is little that you can do. And flip that around to the person lying there, unable to help themselves- only able to reach out to that person who has given up their own time (their own living) to stand beside their bed and tend their needs. Amazing dual aspect. I can totally see the severed arm perspective too but the above was my immediate response.

[@rockbandny]

First time I heard it, I thought the hand was the speakers hand, and they are saying there is nothing this hand won't do

[@books_ncats]

You might have seen this earlier in the week... unfortunately KZbin decided to be spooky and only recommend our content alongside some... inappropriate content let's say. So here's another roll of the dice. We hope you all enjoy our Halloween special! 🎃👻🧟

[@resawildermuth]

Also I don't think I went on enough about how wonderful your essays are-- I really enjoy them and have been binging your Gothic horror content for two days now. Shirley Jackson is one of my favorite writers, and you've given me some excellent adjacent authors to explore!

[@lenoralee9553]

Given Keat's background, I think that the hand in question is an amputated hand, before and then after the procedure. Seeing a disembodied dead hand, or probably actually (in Keats' case) seeing it become lifeless, would absolutely be a blood-dusting experience.

[@marycontrary6216]

My first impulse was to check the publication date of Frankenstein as compared to this poem... it strikes me as maybe (at least) having been floating in Keats' consciousness when this was written.

[@jackiec860]

you deserve way more channel views 🤗 you are so easy to watch and your content is soo interesting!!!! ❤

[@isabellegrimshaw4378]

Spooky poem season 🖤 loving these videos! So in the mood to read poems by candlelight now 🕯

[@books_ncats]

Thanks 😊 get those candles out 🕯️🕯️🕯️

[@chrisogrady28]

My favorite BnC video yet! So thematically on point

[@books_ncats]

Thank you 😊

[@BLUE-fp3bn]

Uncanny yes....but also beautiful and heart-rending.

[@alext2695]

On first reading, I interpreted the use of 'conscience' to imply that the reader has/will have a part in the hand's/speaker's death - perhaps (in the context of surgery) dealing with the guilt of performing a botched amputation, or anxiety over the potentially fatal results of an operation.

[@books_ncats]

Ah thanks for this! Always keen to know what people make of this strange little poem - Rosie

[@fayz655]

Im so glad i found this channel!! I came here from your recent Shirley Jackson video, and im glad to see your other videos are just as interesting! Btw i like that you invite your viewers to think about the stories and its ambiguities along with you. Ill be binging more of your videos, and i cant wait for my newly ordered collection of Jackson stories to arrive (inspired by your video)

[@katiehaley2850]

You have such great videos, you need more views! ❤❤

[@AidanOAArch]

Great breakdown, I love it.

[@ellywhitcombe5007]

Excellent! Again, a scholarly and enlightening production. I am grateful that I am able to expand my knowledge and learning regarding the works of Keats. The delivery was creative, illuminating and highly informative; both in the context of Hallowe’en, and to Keat’s literature. I have acquired great learning.

[@books_ncats]

Thank you, really pleased you found it illuminating! ☺️

[@13laylam]

so amazing i love this so much 🥰

[@davidhatred7275]

would love to see one of these for the darkness by byron!

[@v41ru55]

Ah yes, Schrödinger's Hand

[@crystalpelletier3506]

Im not particularly well read or poetically inclined but upon first reading I thought it was about a baby. Given context I don't think thats quite right, but I figured it would be worth mentioning, video engagement and all.