The Spirit is too Blunt an Instrument

Question 1

Summarise the poem

Answer 1

The miracle of life and our futile attempts to understand it

Question 2

What is the tone of the poem?

Answer 2

Inspired- in awe of perfect features
Detached- only describes physical, scientific features, not her feelings of love
Confrontational

Question 3

Why might have Stevenson wrote this poem?

Answer 3

To question the reality of motherhood and to celebrate the miracle of childbirth.

Question 4

Explore the ways in which Stevenson uses words, images and sounds to such powerful effect

Answer 4

• Is exploring the miracle of life and our futile attempts to understand it.
• Uses juxtaposition of the perfection of nature verses the imperfection of human emotions
• “shell-like complexity of the ear” suggests humans are constantly connected with nature
• “shell-like” conveys connotations of shelter and protection, something a mother should provide.
• “It is left to the vagaries of the mind” means the feelings to create and raise human life are unknown and that no human emotion can explain the process.
• Teaches people to appreciate the complexity and individuality of life