Summary
In Anne Stevenson's poem, the speaker contrasts the perfection of the body with the messiness of the spirit, highlighting the precise and intricate nature of the human body compared to the imprecise and chaotic nature of human emotions and thoughts.
- Perfection of the Body — the precise and intricate design of the human body. Example: The "tiny blind bones" and "sharp crescent fingernails".
- Messiness of the Spirit — the imprecise and chaotic nature of human emotions and thoughts. Example: Human passions being described as "unskilful" and "blunt".
- Ignorant Precision — the idea that nature creates perfectly without awareness or intention. Example: The body's "ignorant precision" that "already answers to the brain".
Exam Tips
Key Definitions to Remember
- Perfection of the Body: The precise and intricate design of the human body.
- Messiness of the Spirit: The imprecise and chaotic nature of human emotions and thoughts.
- Ignorant Precision: Nature's ability to create perfectly without awareness or intention.
Common Confusions
- Confusing the body's precision with emotional precision.
- Misunderstanding the role of human passions in creation.
Typical Exam Questions
- How does the poem contrast the body and the spirit? The poem contrasts the body's precise design with the spirit's chaotic nature.
- What does "ignorant precision" mean in the context of the poem? It refers to nature's ability to create perfectly without awareness.
- How are human passions described in the poem? They are described as unskilful and blunt.
What Examiners Usually Test
- Understanding of the poem's themes and symbols.
- Ability to explain the contrast between body and spirit.
- Interpretation of key terms like "ignorant precision".