“Phantom Limbs” by Anne Michaels

“The face of the city changes more quickly, alas! than the mortal heart.”
—Charles Baudelaire

So much of the city

is our bodies. Places in us
old light still slants through to.

Places that no longer exist but are full of feeling,
like phantom limbs.
Even the city carries ruins in its heart.

Longs to be touched in places
only it remembers.
Through the yellow hooves

of the ginkgo, parchment light;
in that apartment where I first
touched your shoulders under your sweater,

that October afternoon you left keys
in the fridge, milk on the table.
The yard – our moonlight motel –

where we slept summer’s hottest nights,
on grass so cold it felt wet.
Behind us, freight trains crossed the city,

a steel banner, a noisy wall.
Now the hollow diad
floats behind glass

in office towers also haunted
by our voices.
Few buildings, few lives

are built so well
even their ruins are beautiful.
But we loved the abandoned distillery:

stone floors cracking under empty vats,
wooden floors half rotted into dirt;
stairs leading nowhere; high rooms

run through with swords of dusty light.
A place the rain still loved, its silver paint
on rusted things that had stopped moving it seemed, for us.

Closed rooms open only to weather,
pungent with soot and molasses,
scent-stung. A place

where everything too big to take apart
had been left behind.

Introduction

Table of Contents

Written by a Canadian poet and novelist, Anne Michaels, “Phantom Limbs” is a poignant poem. It first appeared in 1986 as part of her debut poetry collection, also titled Phantom Limbs. While the collection did not initially receive widespread commercial success, its themes of grief, loss and memories won instant acclaim. Michaels’ reputation as a writer continued to grow after its publication and the collection became quite famous in the poetic circles of Canada. The lasting popularity of poem as well as the collection, Phantom Limbs, is a testament to Michaels’ skillful use of language and her ability to touch on universal human experiences.

Annotations of “Phantom Limbs” by Anne Michaels

Verse Number	Difficult Phrases	Annotation/Explanation
1	Mortal heart	Refers to the human heart, which is vulnerable to death as opposed to the heart as a symbol of love or emotion.
2	Old light still slants through to	Describes the way light from the past still enters and illuminates certain parts of the body or city.
5	Phantom limbs	Refers to the sensation that a missing limb is still attached to the body, a common experience among amputees. Here it is used metaphorically to describe places that no longer exist physically but are still felt and remembered.
9	Yellow hooves of the ginkgo	Describes the shape of the ginkgo leaves as they turn yellow in the fall, resembling the hooves of a horse or deer.
15	Moonlight motel	Refers to a location, a yard, where the speaker and their lover spent summer nights together.
18	Steel banner	Refers to the sight and sound of freight trains crossing the city, which can be seen as a banner of steel that separates various parts of the city.
20	Hollow diad	Likely a reference to an architectural feature, possibly an arch or a frame which is now empty or devoid of its original purpose.
23	Also haunted by our voices	Implies that the city’s office towers are not only physically haunted, but also emotionally or psychologically haunted by the memories and voices of the people who once lived there.
24	Ruins are beautiful	Suggests that some buildings or structures can be so well-built that even in their ruined state, they still retain a sense of beauty or elegance.
30	Swords of dusty light	A metaphorical description of the way light enters and illuminates certain spaces, resembling the shape of a sword.

Literary and Poetic Devices in “Phantom Limbs” by Anne Michaels

Literary Device	Verse	Identification, Meanings, and Explanations
Allusion	“Phantom Limbs” by Anne Michaels	The title of the poem alludes to the sensation that amputees sometimes experience of feeling a limb that is no longer there. In the poem, this is used as a metaphor for the emotional attachments we have to places and experiences that are no longer part of our lives.
Enjambment	“So much of the city/is our bodies.”	The sentence continues over the line break, creating a sense of fluidity between the city and the human body.
Hyperbole	“Even the city carries ruins in its heart.”	The city cannot literally have a heart, but the use of hyperbole emphasizes the emotional connection between the city and its inhabitants.
Imagery	“on grass so cold it felt wet”	The use of sensory details creates a vivid image of the experience of sleeping on the grass.
Irony	“Few buildings, few lives/are built so well/even their ruins are beautiful.”	The use of irony emphasizes the rarity and beauty of something that is often seen as a negative.
Metaphor	“the hollow diad/floats behind glass”	The “hollow diad” refers to a pair of opera glasses, and the metaphor emphasizes the idea of distance and separation between the past and the present.
Onomatopoeia	“Through the yellow hooves/of the ginkgo, parchment light”	The use of onomatopoeia in “hooves” emphasizes the sound of the ginkgo leaves rustling in the wind, while “parchment light” creates a sense of the quality of the light.
Oxymoron	“moonlight motel”	The use of an oxymoron creates a sense of contradiction and emphasizes the illicit nature of the lovers’ tryst.
Personification	“the rain still loved”	The personification of the rain emphasizes its emotional quality and creates a sense of continuity between the past and the present.
Repetition	“Places in us/old light still slants through to”	The repetition of “places” emphasizes the emotional significance of the locations described, while the repetition of “old light” creates a sense of nostalgia and longing.
Simile	“run through with swords of dusty light”	The use of a simile creates a vivid image of the way light penetrates the abandoned distillery.
Symbolism	“the abandoned distillery”	The abandoned distillery symbolizes the decay and desolation of the city, as well as the possibility of

Sound and Poetic Devices in “Phantom Limbs” by Anne Michaels

Literary Device	Examples/Reference	Definition/Explanation
Alliteration	“old light still slants through to” (line 3)	It is repetition of initial consonant sounds in words that are close together. In this poem, alliteration “s” creates musicality and emphasize certain words and phrases.
Assonance	“Even the city carries ruins in its heart.” (line 6)	It is the repetition of vowel sounds in stressed syllables of words that are close together such as “I”. This assonance creates a musical effect and emphasizes certain words and phrases.
Consonance	“where we slept summer’s hottest nights” (line 16)	It is the repetition of consonant sounds in stressed syllables of words that are close together such as “s” and “t”. These consonances create a musical effect and emphasizes certain words and phrases.
Rhyme Scheme	None	Pattern of end rhymes in a poem. The rhyme scheme of this poem is irregular, but it does contain some repeated sounds that provide a sense of unity.
Diction	“yellow hooves”, “parchment light”, “swords of dusty light”	Word choice or vocabulary used in a poem. In this poem, the diction is often descriptive and sensory, creating vivid images for the reader.
Verse Type	Free Verse	Poetic form that does not have a set meter, rhyme scheme, or stanza structure. This allows the poet to experiment with language and create a unique style. “Phantom Limbs” is an example of free verse.
Stanza Type	None	A poem without stanzas, in which the lines are grouped together to create a single unit. “Phantom Limbs” is an example of a poem without stanzas.
Poem Type	Elegy	A poem that mourns the loss of someone or something. “Phantom Limbs” can be read as an elegy for the lost love and the cityscape that once housed it.
Tone	Melancholy, Nostalgic	Attitude or emotion conveyed by the poem. The tone of “Phantom Limbs” is often melancholic, as the speaker reflects on loss and change, but also nostalgic, as they remember the places and moments that have shaped their life.

Functions of Literary Devices in “Phantom Limbs” by Anne Michaels (Please write a paragraph on each of these with reference to the given verses)

Creating Images and Sensory Experience:
Verse 2: “Places in us” (Assonance)
Verse 3: “old light still slants through to” (Alliteration of “s”)

These literary devices help create vivid images and sensory experiences, allowing the reader to better imagine and connect with the emotions and sensations described in the poem.
Conveying Emotions and Feelings:
Verse 4: “Places that no longer exist but are full of feeling” (Consonance)

Verse 5: “like phantom limbs” (Simile)
These literary devices help convey emotions and feelings to the reader in a more impactful and memorable way.
Enhancing Rhythm and Musicality:

Verse 8: “only it remembers” (Assonance)
Verse 10: “parchment light” (Assonance)
These literary devices help enhance the rhythm and musicality of the poem, creating a more pleasing and memorable reading experience.

Improving Tone and Style:
Verse 22: “in office towers also haunted by our voices” (Metaphor)
Verse 27: “A place the rain still loved” (Personification)

These literary devices help establish the tone and overall style of the poem, giving the reader a sense of the author’s voice and intentions.

Themes in “Phantom Limbs” by Anne Michaels

Nostalgia and Remembrance: The poem “Phantom Limbs” show a sense of nostalgia and remembrance for places and moments that no longer exist. In verse 3, the speaker describes how “old light still slants through” places in their body that are “full of feeling” but “no longer exist.” This theme is also present in the descriptions of the abandoned distillery in verses 27-38, where the speaker recalls the beauty of a place that is now in ruins.
City and its Memories: The city is a prominent theme in the poem, “Phantom Limbs” and it is portrayed as a place that is full of memories and emotions. In verse 6, the speaker describes how “even the city carries ruins in its heart” and longs to be touched in places that “only it remembers.” This theme is also present in the descriptions of the apartment and the yard in verses 10-17, where the speaker recalls intimate moments in places that are now just memories.

Love and Loss: Love and loss are intertwined throughout “Phantom Limbs” as the speaker recalls moments of intimacy with a lover who is no longer present. In verse 12, the speaker remembers touching their lover’s shoulders under their sweater on an October afternoon. This theme is also present in the descriptions of the abandoned distillery, which represents both the beauty of love and the pain of loss.
Beauty in Decay: Despite the focus on loss and decay, the poem “Phantom Limbs” also highlights the beauty that can be found in these things. In verse 26, the speaker describes how “few buildings, few lives are built so well even their ruins are beautiful.” This theme is also present in the descriptions of the abandoned distillery, which the speaker describes as a place where “everything too big to take apart had been left behind” (verse 37) and where the rain still loved to fall (verse 32).

Literary Theories and “Phantom Limbs” by Anne Michaels

Reader Response Theory: This literary theory suggests that the meaning of a literary text is not solely determined by the author’s intent but is instead co-created by the reader’s interpretation. Anne Michaels in “Phantom Limbs” uses vivid imagery and sensory descriptions to create a space that readers can immerse themselves in and construct their own meanings. For example, in the lines “The yard – our moonlight motel – / where we slept summer’s hottest nights,” Michaels uses sensory language to transport the reader to a specific moment in time and space, allowing them to connect with their memories and emotions.

Feminist Theory: This literary theory examines how gender roles and power dynamics shape our understanding of literature. Michaels challenges traditional gender roles and expectations in “Phantom Limbs,” showing a relationship not defined by the gender of the individuals involved. In the lines “in that apartment where I first / touched your shoulders under your sweater,” Michaels subverts traditional gender roles, portraying a female character as the initiator of physical intimacy, which is often expected to be the role of a male character in literature.
Postcolonial Theory: This literary theory explores how colonialism and its legacies shape literature and culture through power relations. In “Phantom Limbs,” Michaels acknowledges the impact of colonialism on the city, as shown by the lines “Behind us, freight trains crossed the city, / a steel banner, a noisy wall.” These lines suggest the presence of industry and infrastructure often built through colonial exploitation and demonstrate how it continues to impact the city and its inhabitants.
Psychoanalytic Theory: This literary theory emphasizes how unconscious desires and conflicts influence our behavior and understanding of the world. In “Phantom Limbs,” Michaels uses the metaphor of phantom limbs to explore the lingering emotional connections to places and relationships that no longer exist physically. In the lines “Places that no longer exist but are full of feeling, / like phantom limbs,” Michaels suggests that our emotional attachments to people and places can remain even after they are gone, echoing the Freudian concept of the unconscious and its persistence in our lives.

Essay Topics, Questions, and Thesis Statements about “Phantom Limbs” by Anne Michaels

Topic: Literary Devices in “Phantom Limbs” by Anne Michaels

Question: What is the significance of the use of literary devices in “Phantom Limbs” by Anne Michaels?

Thesis Statement: The use of literary devices such as alliteration, assonance, consonance, end rhyme, and diction in “Phantom Limbs” by Anne Michaels serves to enhance the imagery and emotional depth of the poem, creating a vivid and haunting portrayal of memory and loss.

Topic: Memory in “Phantom Limbs” by Anne Michaels

Question: How does Anne Michaels explore the theme of memory in “Phantom Limbs”?

Thesis Statement: Through vivid imagery and powerful language, Anne Michaels explores the theme of memory in “Phantom Limbs,” portraying how memory can be both a source of comfort and a painful reminder of what has been lost, and how memories can become phantom limbs that haunt us long after their physical existence has passed.

Topic: Setting in “Phantom Limbs” by Anne Michaels

Question: How does the setting contribute to the overall mood and meaning of “Phantom Limbs” by Anne Michaels?

Thesis Statement: The setting of “Phantom Limbs” by Anne Michaels, which includes both the physical landscape of the city and the emotional landscape of memory, serves to create a haunting and evocative portrayal of loss, nostalgia, and the lasting impact of the past on the present.

Topic: Tone in “Phantom Limbs” by Anne Michaels

Question: How does the tone of “Phantom Limbs” by Anne Michaels contribute to the overall meaning and impact of the poem?

Thesis Statement: The tone of “Phantom Limbs” by Anne Michaels, which is both mournful and elegiac, serves to create a powerful and haunting portrayal of memory and loss, conveying the complex emotions of nostalgia, grief, and the bittersweet nature of remembrance.

Short Question-Answer about “Phantom Limbs” by Anne Michaels

What is the significance of the title “Phantom Limbs” in the poem?

The title “Phantom Limbs” refers to the concept of feeling the presence of a missing limb even after it has been amputated. The poet, Anne Michaels, draws a parallel between the phantom limbs and the memories of past experiences that are still present within us. Just as a person may still feel pain or sensation in a missing limb, the poet also feels the emotional weight of memories. As she says, “Places that no longer exist but are full of feeling, like phantom limbs” (lines 4-5). This is how the title highlights the theme of loss and memory that runs throughout the poem.

How does the poem explore the relationship between memory and place?

The poem “Phantom Limbs” explores the idea that our memories are deeply connected to the places where they were formed. As the speaker says, “So much of the city is our bodies. Places in us / old light still slants through to” (lines 1-2). The memories of past experiences are intertwined with the physical spaces where they occurred, and those places could hold a lasting emotional resonance. The poem also suggests that places change with memories associated with them, as Anne says, “Even the city carries ruins in its heart” (line 6). In this way, the poem portrays memory and place as being inextricably linked.

How does the poem use sensory imagery to evoke a sense of place?

The poem “Phantom Limbs” uses sensory imagery to create vivid descriptions of the places the poet remembers. For example, she describes the “yellow hooves / of the ginkgo, parchment light” (lines 9-10), which creates a visual image of the tree and the quality of light. The poem also uses olfactory imagery to describe the abandoned distillery, showing that it was “pungent with soot and molasses, scent-stung” (lines 35-36). This sensory detail helps the readers in evoking a sense of the atmosphere and mood of the place. The use of sensory imagery contributes to the overall effect of the poem in creating a strong sense of place.

What is the significance of the abandoned distillery in the poem?

The abandoned distillery represents a place of memory for the poet. It is a place where past experiences and emotions are still present. The poet shows the distillery in detail, saying that it had “stone floors cracking under empty vats, wooden floors half rotted into dirt; stairs leading nowhere; high rooms run through with swords of dusty light” (lines 28-31). This sensory detail helps the readers in evoking a sense of the atmosphere and mood of the place in their hearts as well as its history and character. The distillery also represents the idea that even abandoned or ruined places are, sometimes, beautiful and meaningful. The poet says, “Few buildings, few lives are built so well / even their ruins are beautiful” (lines 24-25). The abandoned distillery, like the other places described in the poem, holds a lasting emotional resonance for the speaker.