Poetry · Chapter
To Time explained
The speaker addresses Time directly, observing the accumulation of white threads (gray hair) and the swift passage of sand in an hourglass.
What happens
The speaker addresses Time directly, observing the accumulation of white threads (gray hair) and the swift passage of sand in an hourglass. They wish to hold back time, to linger, until the emotional surges that carry them toward bliss subside. The speaker implores the sun to rest, asking it not to break its arrow in their breast.
Free preview opens on this chapter — companions, themes, and character notes appear beside the text.
Narrative arc
Story tension across the book.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
The emotional peak occurs when the speaker admits a desperate desire to "mend the fabric of my youth" and "com…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes in this chapter
- The Passing of Time and Mortality
The poem directly addresses Time, noting the accumulation of white threads (gray hair) and the swift passage of sand in an hourglass, expressing a desire to hold back time.
Characters to notice
Key passages
“Day by day the threads of white Multiply, Oh! hour-glass! How passing swift your bright sands pass”
Each day, more gray hairs appear, and the hourglass's sand flows quickly.
The speaker observes the physical signs of aging and the rapid passage of time.
“Fain would I hold you, Linger, bide Until these surges shall subside, That sweep me forward unto bliss”
I wish I could hold you, delay, and wait until the emotional waves that carry me toward happiness calm down.
The speaker expresses a desire to pause time until they reach a state of bliss.
“Oh! charging sun, I bid you rest, Break not your arrow in my breast!”
Oh, advancing sun, I command you to stop; do not pierce my heart with your arrow!
The speaker implores the sun (symbolizing time's relentless advance) to halt and not cause them pain.
