Welcome, fellow explorers of language and thought, to an insightful journey into the heart of Wislawa Szymborska’s remarkable poem, “Possibilities.” This piece invites readers to consider the profound power of personal choice and the quiet rebellion found in simply stating one’s preferences. Prepare to delve into a world where everyday likes and dislikes become a canvas for deeper philosophical reflection.
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.
Possibilities Summary: Unpacking the Central Idea
Wislawa Szymborska’s “Possibilities” is a celebrated work by the Polish Nobel laureate, renowned for her insightful and often ironic observations on life. This poem, deceptively simple in its presentation, unfolds as a series of personal preferences that collectively reveal a profound commentary on individuality, societal expectations, and the beauty of embracing one’s unique tastes. The central idea of “Possibilities” revolves around the assertion of self through individual choice, celebrating the freedom to define one’s own values and find meaning in the seemingly ordinary.
At its heart, “Possibilities” functions as a gentle rebellion against conformity. The speaker does not deliver grand philosophical statements; instead, she quietly asserts her preferences: “I prefer cats,” “I prefer Dickens to Dostoyevsky,” “I prefer the hell of chaos to the hell of order.” This seemingly trivial list builds to a powerful message: it is acceptable 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, encouraging readers to identify their own preferences and to celebrate their unique sense of self, even if it deviates from the norm. It 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 and understanding that existence itself holds inherent value.
Analysis of Literary Devices in Possibilities
Wislawa Szymborska masterfully employs various literary devices to enrich the poem’s meaning and amplify its impact. These techniques contribute to the poem’s subtle yet profound exploration of individuality and preference, making “Possibilities” a compelling read.
Anaphora: The Power of Repetition
The most prominent literary device in “Possibilities” is anaphora, the repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses. The insistent phrase “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, firmly establishing the speaker’s unique perspective.
Juxtaposition: Contrasting Perspectives
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, the lines “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 compel the reader to reconsider their own assumptions about values and truth.
Metaphor: Life as a Series of Choices
While subtle, the entire poem functions as an extended metaphor for the importance of embracing individuality and rejecting conformity. The speaker’s numerous “preferences” represent a broader rejection of societal pressures and an affirmation of personal values. Each choice, no matter how small, becomes a statement about how one chooses to navigate and interpret existence.
Allusion: Echoes of Broader Debates
While not overt, the poem contains subtle allusions 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 and the speaker’s preference for the unpredictable over rigid structure.
Oxymoron: Unpacking Contradictions
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 necessarily require naiveté, but rather a shrewd understanding of human nature.
Symbolism: Deeper Meanings
Several elements in the poem carry symbolic weight. For instance, “the time of insects” can be seen as symbolizing the fleeting nature of life and the importance of appreciating small, immediate moments, while “the time of stars” may represent grander, more abstract, and perhaps overwhelming concepts. The preference for insects over stars suggests a valuing of the tangible and present over the distant and immense.
Analysis of Poetic Devices in Possibilities
While literary and poetic devices often overlap, certain techniques are more specific to the craft of poetry. “Possibilities” demonstrates a skillful use of these elements to create a unique and memorable reading experience.
Diction: Precise and Evocative Word Choice
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. Words like “cunning,” “civvies,” and “cipher” are chosen with care, adding specific shades of meaning and contributing to the poem’s accessible yet profound voice.
Free Verse: Unfettered Expression
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 and the unconstrained nature of personal preference. The absence of rigid structure reinforces the theme of freedom in choice.
Stanza Structure: A Continuous Flow of Thought
The poem is structured as a single, extended verse, consisting of many lines without formal stanza breaks. This continuous flow reinforces the sense of uninterrupted thought and personal reflection, as if the reader is privy to a stream of consciousness where one preference naturally leads to the next.
Assonance: Musicality Through Vowel Sounds
The repetition of vowel sounds within words adds a musicality to the poem and subtly emphasizes certain phrases. 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, making the declaration feel both personal and universal.
Alliteration: Enhancing Rhythm and Connection
The repetition of consonant sounds at the beginning of words or stressed syllables adds to the poem’s subtle musicality and creates connections between ideas. Notice the repetition of the “t” sound in “to the time of stars,” which adds a certain rhythm and coherence to the lines, making them more memorable.
Consonance: Subtlety in Sound Repetition
Consonance involves the repetition of consonant sounds within words, often at the end or middle. 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, contributing to the poem’s overall sonic texture without being overtly rhyming.
Enjambment: Flowing Thoughts
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, suggesting that choices and feelings are not always neatly contained.
Imagery: Engaging the Senses
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 and visualize the distinct choices being made.
The Enduring Message of Possibilities
“Possibilities” by Wislawa Szymborska is more than just a list of likes and dislikes; it is a profound meditation on the essence of individuality and the quiet strength found in personal conviction. The poem’s careful construction, utilizing anaphora, juxtaposition, and subtle symbolism, elevates everyday choices into significant philosophical statements. It encourages readers to embrace their unique perspectives and to find beauty and meaning in the things they genuinely prefer, rather than conforming to external pressures.
The poem concludes with a powerful affirmation of life’s inherent value, regardless of grand plans or certainties:
“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, profound act of existing and choosing. “Possibilities” remains a timeless reminder that the richness of life often lies in the myriad of personal preferences that shape who we are.