Choices
If I can’t do
what I want to do
then my job is to not
do what I don’t want
to do.If I can’t have
what I want… then my job is to want
what I’ve got
and be satisfied
that at least there
is something more to want.Since I can’t go
where I need
to go… then I must… go
where the signs point
though always understanding
parallel movement isn’t lateral.When I can’t express
what I really feel
I practice feeling
what I can express
and none of it is equal
I know
but that’s why mankind
alone among the animals
learns to cry.
Summary of Choices
Nikki Giovanni’s “Choices” is a powerful, deceptively simple poem exploring themes of agency, acceptance, and the human capacity for adaptation. Published in 1982, a time of personal loss for Giovanni following her father’s death, the poem reflects a quiet resilience in the face of limitations. It isn’t a lament about what can’t be achieved, but a pragmatic acceptance coupled with a determined effort to find freedom within constraints.
The central idea of “Choices” revolves around the concept that even when we are unable to pursue our desires directly, we retain the power to choose our response. Giovanni argues that if a desired action is impossible, the next best choice is to abstain from unwanted actions. Similarly, if a desired outcome is unattainable, we can find contentment in what we do have. This isn’t simply resignation; it’s a proactive approach to finding liberation within a given set of circumstances. The poem suggests that the ability to adapt, to redefine our wants and needs, is a defining characteristic of humanity, even mirroring the uniquely human ability to express emotion through tears.
Analysis of Poetic Devices Used in ‘Choices’
Giovanni masterfully employs various literary and poetic devices to convey her message in a concise and impactful way. Let’s delve into some of the key techniques used in “Choices.”
Assonance and Consonance
Giovanni subtly uses sound devices to create a musicality that enhances the poem’s rhythm and emphasizes certain ideas. Assonance, the repetition of vowel sounds, is evident in lines like “If I can’t do / what I want to do,” where the repeated ‘o’ sound creates a sense of flow. Consonance, the repetition of consonant sounds, can be seen in “and be satisfied,” with the repeated ‘d’ and ‘t’ sounds adding emphasis. These sonic textures subtly reinforce the poem’s message without drawing undue attention to themselves.
Enjambment
Enjambment, the continuation of a sentence or phrase from one line to the next without a pause, is a prominent feature of the poem. Consider these lines:
If I can’t do
what I want to do
then my job is to not
do what I don’t want
to do.
The enjambment creates a sense of momentum and reflects the idea of adapting and moving forward even when faced with limitations. It mirrors the act of choosing a different path when the original one is blocked.
Repetition and Parallel Structure
The repetition of phrases, like “If I can’t…” and the parallel structure of the opening stanzas, emphasizes the poem’s central argument. Giovanni establishes a pattern of impossibility followed by a chosen alternative. This structure highlights the agency the speaker maintains even in the face of frustration. It’s a deliberate mirroring of the process of making a choice.
Imagery and Metaphor
While the poem doesn’t rely on elaborate imagery, the concepts of “going where the signs point” and “parallel movement” evoke a sense of direction and navigating limitations. These metaphors aren’t meant to be literal; they represent the process of adapting to circumstances and finding a different route to fulfillment. The idea of “practicing feeling what I can express” is also metaphorical, suggesting that even in emotional constraint, we can find ways to connect with our feelings.
Symbolism
Tears, in the final lines, are particularly poignant. They symbolize not just sadness, but the uniquely human capacity for emotional expression. Giovanni suggests that this ability to feel and express, even in the face of constraint, is what sets us apart from the animal world. It’s a powerful statement about the importance of acknowledging and processing our emotions.
Diction and Tone
Giovanni’s diction is deliberately simple and conversational. The language is accessible and avoids overly complex phrasing. This contributes to the poem’s sense of directness and honesty. The tone is not one of despair or resignation, but rather of pragmatic acceptance and quiet resilience. There is a sense of empowerment in acknowledging limitations and choosing a path forward.
Free Verse and Structure
“Choices” is written in free verse, meaning it doesn’t adhere to a strict rhyme scheme or metrical pattern. This allows Giovanni to focus on the rhythm of the language and the flow of ideas. The poem is divided into five stanzas, each exploring a different facet of the central theme. The varying stanza lengths contribute to the poem’s dynamic feel.
Quotes to be Used
The following lines are particularly resonant and can be used to spark discussion about agency, acceptance, and emotional expression:
When I can’t express
what I really feel
I practice feeling
what I can express
and none of it is equal
I know
but that’s why mankind
alone among the animals
learns to cry.
This quote encapsulates the poem’s central message: even in the face of limitations, we retain the power to choose our response and to express our humanity.
“Choices” is a deceptively simple poem with profound implications. Its exploration of agency, acceptance, and the human capacity for adaptation makes it a timeless and inspiring work. Through carefully crafted language and subtle poetic devices, Nikki Giovanni offers a powerful message of hope and resilience.