The Spirit is Too Blunt an Instrument - Anne Stevenson Flashcards
What theme is shown through references to birth and existence?
Life
What theme is explored through beginnings and origin?
Creation
What theme is shown through hope and open futures?
Possibility
What contrast is explored between physical and inner being?
Perfection of the body vs imperfection of the spirit
Why does the poem not follow a rhyme scheme?
To reflect the imperfection of the spirit
What is the speaker admiring in the poem?
A baby
What does the phrase “too blunt” suggest about the spirit?
That it lacks the precision to create something as perfect as a human body
What theme is introduced in the first line?
The perfection of the body vs the imperfection of the spirit
How is the spirit described metaphorically?
As an “instrument” or tool
How are human passions described?
As “unskilful”
What does calling human passions “unskilful” show?
The speaker’s disdain for emotions and belief in their flaws
What body part does the speaker first describe in detail?
“Tiny blind bones”
What amazes the speaker about the baby’s bones?
That they are perfectly formed despite the baby being blind and helpless
What imagery is created by the phrase “manipulating tendons”?
Tendons weaving around bones in intricate patterns
What other body parts are named by the speaker?
Knee, knucklebones, ganglia, vertebrae, spine
What is the speaker’s main argument in Stanza 1?
The soul is too flawed to have created something as complex and perfect as the human body
What is the focus of Stanza 2?
Describing the complexity and beauty of human anatomy
What is the significance of the word “distinct” in ‘distinct eyelashes’?
It shows that each eyelash is perfectly and individually shaped
What do ‘sharp crescent fingernails’ emphasise?
The identical and precise shape of each fingernail
How is the ear described in Stanza 2?
As having a “shell-like complexity” and “firm involutions concentric in miniature to minute ossicles”
What are the two meanings of the word “involutions”?
Shrinkage of an organ, and the state of being complete
What do the words “infinitesimal” and “flawless” highlight?
The minute precision and perfection of the body’s design
What does the word “imagine” suggest about the body’s features?
They are not visible to the eye but exist purely for perfection
What does the word “completed” convey about the speaker’s view of the human body?
That it is a perfect, finished product
