Have you ever found yourself standing at a crossroads, faced with a plethora of paths stretching before you? Wisława Szymborska's poem, "Possibilities," captures this very human experience – the endless array of choices that shape our lives and define who we become.
Szymborska, a Nobel Prize-winning Polish poet known for her sharp wit and philosophical explorations, uses "Possibilities" as a canvas to paint a vibrant portrait of individuality. Through a unique structure and clever use of language, she delves into the complexities of choice, chance, and the very essence of being.
This blog delves into "Possibilities," offering both a clear summary of its content and a thoughtful exploration of its deeper meaning. We'll embark on a journey together, dissecting the speaker's intriguing preferences, unpacking the layers of theme, and appreciating the beauty of Szymborska's poetic craft.
Table of Contents
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 over-trustful kind.
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
"Possibilities" unfolds in a captivatingly structured and accessible form. Each line begins with the powerful declaration, "I prefer," followed by a unique preference or statement. This repetition serves as a unifying thread, emphasizing the speaker's agency and their active engagement with life's diverse options.
Deconstructing the "I prefer" Statements
The poem presents 31 distinct preferences across a wide spectrum. These cover personal tastes, philosophical stances, and reflections on life and death. Here are some key categories:
Preferences in Everyday Life:
- The speaker prefers leaves without flowers to flowers without leaves, suggesting an appreciation for the simple aspects of life.
- They choose stairs over an elevator, highlighting an enjoyment of physical activity and personal effort.
Philosophical Musings:
- The speaker prefers truth to falsehood but acknowledges the difficulty of discerning them definitively.
- They choose uncertainty over absolute certainty, demonstrating an openness to life's unpredictable nature.
Contemplations on Life and Death:
- The speaker prefers a universe with an edge to one without, suggesting a desire for meaning and boundaries.
- They choose laughter in the face of death, expressing a stoic acceptance of life's inevitable end.
Shifting Preferences and Nuances:
It's crucial to note that not all preferences are set in stone. The speaker sometimes contradicts themselves, demonstrating the fluidity of identity and the possibility of evolving perspectives. They may prefer silence, yet appreciate the beauty of a human voice. This highlights the complex and multifaceted nature of individual preferences.
The Poem's Flow and Structure
While repetition anchors the poem, subtle shifts and juxtapositions keep it engaging. Contrasting preferences, like choosing laughter over death, create tension and invite readers to delve deeper into the speaker's inner world. Additionally, the poem doesn't present a grand narrative but rather a glimpse into the speaker's mind through diverse snapshots. This fragmented structure reflects the unpredictable nature of life and individual experience.
By the end, "Possibilities" leaves us with a sense of wonder and introspection. It challenges us to reflect on our own preferences and how they shape our lives, reminding us that every choice, big or small, contributes to the unique tapestry of our being.
Analysis
Beyond its captivating structure and intriguing preferences, "Possibilities" invites us to explore its deeper themes and artistic choices. Let's delve into the poem's core to unlock its hidden layers of meaning.
Embracing Individuality
A Celebration of Choice:
At its heart, "Possibilities" celebrates the human capacity for choice and the formation of individuality. Each "I prefer" statement becomes a brushstroke on the canvas of the speaker's unique persona. By juxtaposing contrasting preferences, the poem highlights the fluidity and multidimensionality of identity.
Contrasting and Defining Self:
The constant comparison between preferences serves as a tool for self-definition. Choosing mountains over beaches suggests an adventurous spirit, while preferring uncertainty over certainty points towards a flexible and open-minded personality. These contrasts allow the reader to piece together the speaker's character, appreciating its complexity and unique composition.
Limitations of Individuality:
Despite the emphasis on choice, the poem subtly acknowledges the limitations of absolute individuality. Certain preferences, like preferring to be alive than dead, are universal and transcend personal choice. This acknowledgment adds depth and realism to the exploration of individuality, reminding us that we exist within a shared human experience.
Navigating Uncertainty and Choice
Possibilities, not Certainties:
The use of "prefer" over "choose" or "want" carries a distinct nuance. It suggests a tentative selection within a realm of possibilities, not absolute pronouncements. This emphasis on possibility reflects the inherent uncertainty of life, where choices often have unforeseen consequences and paths can shift unexpectedly.
Chance and Contingency as Guiding Forces:
"Possibilities" doesn't present a clear-cut roadmap for navigating life's choices. Instead, it acknowledges the role of chance and contingency in shaping our experiences. While the speaker expresses preferences, ultimately, life unfolds not by mere desire, but through external forces and internal reflections.
Free Will and Determinism: An Open Question:
The poem doesn't provide definitive answers about free will versus determinism. The tension between choice and chance remains present, prompting readers to contemplate their own agency in shaping their destinies. Does the speaker actively choose their preferences, or are they driven by subconscious forces and external circumstances? The poem leaves this question open to interpretation.
Poetic Devices and Language
Anaphora's Power
The consistent use of "I prefer" creates a rhythmic chant, drawing the reader into the speaker's inner world. It emphasizes the importance of each preference while reminding us of the continuous process of choosing and shaping ourselves.
Imagery and Metaphor
While primarily based on statements, the poem also includes evocative imagery and metaphors. Phrases like "a universe with an edge" and "laughter in the face of death" add depth and emotional resonance to the speaker's reflections.
Language: Simple Yet Evocative
The poem employs clear and concise language, making it accessible to a wide audience. However, beneath its simple surface lies a profound exploration of complex philosophical themes. This masterful use of language allows the poem to resonate with readers across diverse backgrounds and experiences.
Conclusion
Wisława Szymborska's "Possibilities" has resonated with readers for generations, garnering international acclaim and solidifying its place in the literary canon. Critics have lauded its witty yet profound exploration of life's myriad choices, praising its accessible language and masterful use of repetition.
The poem serves as a powerful reminder that life is not a single path but a vast landscape of possibilities. While we may not control every twist and turn, we possess the capacity to choose, adapt, and ultimately, shape our own unique journeys. So, take a deep breath, embrace the "I prefer" within you, and step out into the boundless realm of possibilities that lie before you.
