Possibilities
By Wislawa Szymborska
I prefer movies.
I prefer cats.
I prefer the oaks along the Warta.
I prefer Dickens to Dostoyevsky.
I prefer myself liking people
to myself loving mankind.
I prefer keeping a needle and thread on hand, just in case.
I prefer the color green.
I prefer not to maintain
that reason is to blame for everything.
I prefer exceptions.
I prefer to leave early.
I prefer talking to doctors about something else.
I prefer the old fine‑lined illustrations.
I prefer the absurdity of writing poems
to the absurdity of not writing poems.
I prefer, where love’s concerned, nonspecific anniversaries
that can be celebrated every day.
I prefer moralists
who promise me nothing.
I prefer cunning kindness to the kind that is overly trusting.
I prefer the earth in civvies.
I prefer conquered to conquering countries.
I prefer having some reservations.
I prefer the hell of chaos to the hell of order.
I prefer Grimms’ fairy tales to the newspapers’ front pages.
I prefer leaves without flowers to flowers without leaves.
I prefer dogs with uncropped tails.
I prefer light eyes, since mine are dark.
I prefer desk drawers.
I prefer many things that I haven’t mentioned here
to many things I’ve also left unsaid.
I prefer zeroes on the loose
to those lined up behind a cipher.
I prefer the time of insects to the time of stars.
I prefer to knock on wood.
I prefer not to ask how much longer and when.
I prefer keeping in mind even the possibility
that existence has its own reason for being.
Summary of Possibilities
- Popularity of “Possibilities” The poem “Possibilities” is a celebrated work by the Polish poet Wislawa Szymborska, known for her insightful and often ironic observations on life. It is a deceptively simple poem, composed as a series of personal preferences that reveal a deeper commentary on individuality, societal expectations, and the beauty of embracing one’s own unique tastes.
- “Possibilities” as a Comment on Man’s Nature: At its heart, “Possibilities” is a gentle rebellion against conformity. Szymborska does not deliver grand philosophical statements; instead she quietly asserts her preferences – cats over people, Dickens over Dostoyevsky, imperfection over flawless order. This seemingly trivial list builds to a powerful message: it is okay to choose differently, to find joy in the unconventional, and to define happiness on one’s own terms. The poem suggests that true individuality lies in these quiet, personal choices.
- Major Themes in “Possibilities” The central themes of the poem revolve around individuality, embracing possibility, and the quiet satisfaction found in personal preferences. Szymborska champions the freedom to choose, suggesting that life is not about following a predetermined path but about recognizing and honoring the things that genuinely bring us joy. The poem encourages readers to identify their own preferences and to celebrate their unique sense of self, even if it deviates from the norm.
Analysis of Literary Devices Used in Possibilities
Wislawa Szymborska skillfully employs various literary devices to enhance the poem’s meaning and impact. These techniques contribute to the poem’s subtle yet profound exploration of individuality and preference.
- Assonance – The repetition of vowel sounds within words adds a musicality to the poem and subtly emphasizes certain phrases. For example, the repeated short “i” sound in “I prefer” throughout the poem creates a rhythmic pattern that draws attention to the speaker’s consistent assertions of preference.
- Allusion – While not overt, the poem contains subtle references to broader cultural and philosophical concepts. The line “I prefer the hell of chaos to the hell of order” alludes to the age‑old debate between freedom and control, inviting readers to consider the potential downsides of both extremes.
- Anaphora – The most prominent literary device is anaphora, the repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses. The insistent “I prefer” at the start of nearly every line creates a powerful rhetorical effect. This repetition underscores the speaker’s deliberate assertion of self and her unapologetic embrace of personal taste. For example:
“I prefer the oaks along the Warta.
I prefer Dickens to Dostoyevsky.
I prefer myself liking people
to myself loving mankind.”
This rhythmic repetition creates a sense of quiet defiance, a gentle rebellion against societal expectations.
- Alliteration – The repetition of consonant sounds adds to the poem’s subtle musicality. Notice the repetition of the “t” sound in “to the time of stars,” which adds a certain rhythm to the lines.
- Consonance – Consonance involves the repetition of consonant sounds within words. Consider the line “I prefer many things that I haven’t mentioned here” – the repetition of the “n” sound creates a subtle connection between the words.
- Enjambment – Enjambment, where a phrase or sentence continues from one line to the next without punctuation, creates a sense of fluidity and momentum. This is visible in lines such as:
“I prefer, where love’s concerned, nonspecific anniversaries
that can be celebrated every day.”
The continuation of the thought across lines mirrors the speaker’s ongoing process of preference and reflection.
- Imagery – Szymborska employs vivid imagery to create a sensory experience for the reader. Consider the lines “I prefer the time of insects to the time of stars,” “I prefer leaves without flowers to flowers without leaves,” and “I prefer the color green.” These images evoke specific sensations and associations, helping the reader connect with the speaker’s preferences on a visceral level.
- Juxtaposition – The poem relies heavily on juxtaposition – placing contrasting ideas or images side by side. This technique highlights the speaker’s unique perspective and challenges conventional expectations. For example, “I prefer cunning kindness to the kind that is overly trusting” and “I prefer Grimms’ fairy tales to the newspapers’ front pages” present unexpected pairings that force the reader to reconsider their own assumptions.
- Metaphor – While subtle, the poem can be read as a metaphor for the importance of embracing individuality and rejecting conformity. The speaker’s “preferences” represent a broader rejection of societal pressures and an affirmation of personal values.
- Oxymoron – The use of oxymoron, combining contradictory terms, adds a layer of complexity to the poem. “Cunning kindness” is a prime example, suggesting that genuine kindness does not require naiveté.
- Symbolism – Several elements in the poem carry symbolic weight. For instance, “time of insects” can be seen as symbolizing the fleeting nature of life and the importance of appreciating small moments, while “the time of stars” may represent grander, more abstract concepts.
Analysis of Poetic Devices Used in Possibilities
While literary and poetic devices often overlap, certain techniques are more specific to poetry. “Possibilities” demonstrates a skillful use of these elements to create a unique and memorable reading experience.
- Diction – Szymborska’s diction, or choice of words, is remarkably precise and evocative. The language is simple yet subtly nuanced, creating a conversational tone that draws the reader in.
- Free Verse – The poem is written in free verse, meaning it does not adhere to a strict rhyme scheme or metrical pattern. This allows Szymborska to create a natural, flowing rhythm that mirrors the speaker’s thought process.
- Stanza – The poem is structured as a single, extended verse, consisting of about thirty lines. This continuous flow reinforces the sense of uninterrupted thought and personal reflection.
Quotes to be Used
The following lines from “Possibilities” are particularly resonant and can be used to spark conversation or inspire reflection.
“I prefer not to ask how much longer and when.
I prefer keeping in mind even the possibility
that existence has its own reason for being.”
This concluding passage encapsulates the poem’s central message: embracing uncertainty and finding meaning in the simple act of existing.