Poem Analysis - Possibilities

A Worldly Farewell

Rudyard Kipling's "Possibilities" is a meditation on death and the afterlife, viewed through the lens of British colonial society in India. The poem adopts a tone of detached observation, almost nonchalant in its initial acceptance of loss. However, this surface calm gradually gives way to a more profound exploration of the deceased's lingering presence and the unsettling prospect of a ghostly existence, punctuated by moments of poignant reflection and spectral imagery.

The Echoes of Empire

Given Kipling's status as a chronicler of British imperialism, the poem's setting in Simla, a popular hill station in India used as a summer capital, is highly significant. The references to "whist," "ponies, guns, and traps," "rickshaw-light," and the "ball" at "Benmore" paint a vivid picture of the colonial lifestyle: leisurely pursuits, social gatherings, and a sense of privileged detachment from the local environment. The poem thus explores the themes of loss and afterlife within a very specific social context, highlighting the impermanence of even the most vibrant earthly existence. The line referring to "God save the Queen" shows that even "extras" (guests, performers?) must leave when duty to the Crown is over.

Mortality and Remembrance

One of the central themes of "Possibilities" is the inevitability of mortality. The opening stanzas bluntly acknowledge the death of a friend, noting the immediate disruption to social routines: "we lose our fourth at whist," "A chair is vacant where we dine." The poem quickly moves beyond simple grief, however, to contemplate the deceased's fate in the afterlife, or the "Great Perhaps." This concept is further developed through the image of the "cool rest-house down the glen," a symbolic space between life and death, from which the departed can observe the "mundane revel on the height." This distance creates a sense of poignant isolation, even amidst familiar surroundings. The theme of remembrance is present throughout, as friends move on, but echoes of his existence still make themselves known.

Isolation in the Afterlife

The poem explores the theme of isolation after death. Despite the ongoing social life described, the deceased is now separate and "alien and alone." The lively social scene he once knew continues, but he can only observe it as an outsider, as a spirit potentially longing for connection yet unable to truly participate. "His Light o' Love another's flame" illustrates how quickly life moves on, leaving the deceased behind. This separation is not only physical but also emotional, as he is relegated to the role of an unseen observer. The "field of victory" implies he may revisit his past achievements in life, but the phrase does imply any sense of personal satisfaction. The idea of this separation is amplified by the thought of a ghostly gathering later, where even in a group of other spirits, he is still alone.

Spectral Imagery and Lasting Impressions

Kipling uses vivid imagery to convey the spectral presence of the deceased. The "vapours" that "flee across Sanjaolie after rain" symbolize the ephemeral nature of the soul, suggesting its ability to transcend physical limitations and revisit familiar places. The "flashing 'rickshaw-light" represents the fleeting moments of earthly pleasure that the spirit can observe. Perhaps most striking is the image of the ghostly gathering in the final stanzas, where the dead "mock our laughter in the gloom," "flirt wanly, dance in ghostly-wise," and "vanish at the morning's breath." This chilling scene underscores the impermanence of life and the unsettling possibility that even death offers only a temporary respite. The symbol of a "window-blind" shaking may suggest the inability of a deceased man to connect with the living. Is this a subtle comment on the barriers between life and death, or does it imply the diminishing power of the deceased's influence on the living world?

A Haunting Conclusion

"Possibilities" ultimately presents a nuanced and somewhat unsettling view of death and the afterlife. While the poem initially seems to accept death as a natural part of life, it quickly delves into the complex emotions of loss, isolation, and the enduring power of memory. Through its vivid imagery and detached tone, the poem suggests that even in the midst of vibrant social life, the specter of mortality looms large, reminding us of the ephemeral nature of earthly existence and the enduring mystery of what lies beyond. Kipling does not offer definitive answers, but instead leaves us pondering the possibilities of what awaits us after we leave this earthly coil.