Poem Analysis - Impossibility Like Wine

Introduction: A Toast to the Unattainable

Emily Dickinson's "Impossibility, Like Wine" is a short but potent exploration of human desire and the allure of the forbidden. The poem argues that the very notion of impossibility, much like a strong wine, invigorates and excites us more than the blandness of the achievable. Its tone is initially celebratory, even intoxicating, shifting subtly towards a recognition of the inherent danger or "Doom" associated with chasing the unattainable.

Theme: The Allure of the Unreachable

One primary theme is the seductive nature of impossibility. Dickinson uses the metaphor of wine to illustrate how something unattainable can be more appealing than something readily available. "Impossibility, like Wine / Exhilarates the Man / Who tastes it" – these opening lines immediately establish the intoxicating power of the forbidden. The poem suggests that human beings are inherently drawn to challenges and that the prospect of overcoming an impossible task is inherently stimulating. This contrasts sharply with "Possibility / Is flavorless Combine," implying that the achievable lacks the exciting, distinct qualities that make life interesting.

Theme: Intoxication and the Illusion of Control

The poem delves into the idea of perceived control versus actual consequences. The speaker focuses on the excitement and pleasure derived from experiencing the impossible, and there’s an implied illusion of control that comes with the "tasting" of impossibility. This feeling, however, is juxtaposed with the inevitable consequence, like the morning after excessive wine consumption. The "Chance’s faintest Tincture" suggests a small initial opportunity, while "Enchantment makes ingredient / As certainly as Doom," suggesting that the excitement of attempting the impossible inevitably leads to potentially devastating consequences. Thus, the wine metaphor becomes a complex symbol for the seductive and potentially destructive nature of pursuing the unattainable.

Theme: Redefining Perception of Success

A more subtle theme centers on redefining success beyond mere achievement. Dickinson implies that the *experience* of striving for the impossible is valuable in itself, even if ultimate success remains elusive. The "flavorless Combine" of possibility suggests a dull, unremarkable existence. The thrill, the "Enchantment," lies in the pursuit, in the daring to attempt what seems beyond reach, even if "Doom" is the ultimate outcome. The poem, therefore, questions conventional notions of success and suggests that true fulfillment might reside in the adventurous pursuit of the seemingly unattainable.

Imagery: Wine as a Symbol of the Forbidden

The central image of wine is highly significant. Wine is associated with celebration, indulgence, and altered states of consciousness. It represents something pleasurable but also potentially dangerous. It's a symbol of the forbidden, suggesting that the allure of the impossible lies in its very unattainability. The act of "tasting" the wine is a metaphor for experiencing the thrill of pursuing something difficult or forbidden. It is a sensory image suggesting a strong and almost addicting desire. Wine, as a symbol, highlights the paradoxical nature of human desire – the craving for things that may ultimately be harmful.

Conclusion: A bittersweet Draught

"Impossibility, Like Wine" is a powerful exploration of the human drive to pursue the unattainable. Dickinson uses the image of wine to represent the intoxicating allure of the impossible, contrasting it with the blandness of the easily achievable. While celebrating the excitement and "Enchantment" of such pursuits, the poem also acknowledges the inherent risks, suggesting that the path to the impossible may ultimately lead to "Doom." The poem ultimately encourages a reevaluation of what constitutes a worthwhile endeavor, suggesting that the journey itself, even if fraught with peril, may be more fulfilling than the predictable path of possibility. The poem leaves us with a bittersweet taste, a reminder of the intoxicating yet potentially destructive power of our desires.