“When the shadow of the sash appeared on the curtains it was between seven and eight o' clock and then I was in time again, hearing the watch. It was Grandfather's and when Father gave it to me he said I give you the mausoleum of all hope and desire; it's rather excruciating-ly apt that you will use it to gain the reducto absurdum of all human experience which can fit your individual needs no better than it fitted his or his father's. I give it to you not that you may remember time, but that you might forget it now and then for a moment and not spend all your breath trying to conquer it. Because no battle is ever won he said. They are not even fought. The field only reveals to man his own folly and despair, and victory is an illusion of philosophers and fools.”
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Quote Analysis
In this quote by William Faulkner, the protagonist reflects on the gift of a watch given to him by his father, which represents the passage of time and the struggles of life. The watch symbolizes the burden of hope and desire, the inevitability of human suffering, and the futility of trying to control or conquer time. The protagonist is advised to find moments of respite from the constant pressure of time, to not be consumed by the pursuit of victory which ultimately leads to disillusionment. Faulkner uses this passage to convey a profound message about the nature of human existence and the challenges of facing life's uncertainties.
Modern Relevance
In this passage from William Faulkner's work, the protagonist is given a watch that symbolizes the futility of trying to control time. This theme is still relevant today, as many people struggle with balancing their desire to control every moment of their lives with the realization that true victory lies in accepting the passage of time and finding moments of peace within it. The pressure to constantly conquer time can lead to feelings of despair and futility, highlighting the importance of letting go and embracing the present moment.
Example of Usage
In this excerpt from William Faulkner's novel, the protagonist receives a watch from his father, symbolizing the passage of time and the futility of trying to conquer it. The watch serves as a reminder to occasionally forget about time and not get caught up in trying to control it. Faulkner's poignant words highlight the fruitlessness of striving for victory in the face of inevitable folly and despair.
Reflection Questions:
Reflecting on this passage from William Faulkner, consider the following questions:
- What do you think Faulkner is trying to convey about time and the futility of trying to conquer it?
- How does the concept of the watch as a "mausoleum of all hope and desire" resonate with you personally?
- In what ways do you find yourself trying to "conquer" time in your own life? How does this passage challenge you to think differently about your approach to time?
- How can you apply the idea of occasionally forgetting time in order to truly live in the present moment? What benefits do you think this practice could bring to your life?
Similar quotes
“...I give you the mausoleum of all hope and desire...I give it to you not that you may remember time, but that you might forget it now and then for a moment and not spend all of your breath trying to conquer it. Because no battle is ever won he said. They are not even fought. The field only reveals to man his own folly and despair, and victory is an illusion of philosophers and fools.”
“Because no battle is ever won he said. They are not even fought. The field only reveals to man his own folly and despair, and victory is an illusion of philosophers and fools.”
“I give it to you not that you may remember time, but that you might forget it now and then for a moment and not spend all your breath trying to conquer it.”
“I lied," I said. ..."I know it," he said."Then do something about it. Do anything, just so it's something.""I cant," he said."There aint anything to do? Not anything?""I didn't say that," Grandfather said. "I said I couldn't. You can.""What?" I said. "How can I forget it? Tell me how to.""You cant," he said. "Nothing is ever forgotten. Nothing is ever lost. It's too valuable.""Then what can I do?""Live with it," Grandfather said."Live with it? You mean, forever? For the rest of my life? Not ever to get rid of it? Never? I cant. Dont you see that I cant?""Yes you can," he said. "You will. A gentleman always does. A gentleman can live through anything. He faces anything. A gentleman accepts the responsibility of his actions and bears the burden of their consequences, even when he did not himself instigate them but only acquiesced to them, didn't say No though he knew he should.”
“Because Father said clocks slay time. He said time is dead as long as it is being clicked off by little wheels; only when the clock stops does time come to life.”
“Because you know that's all I needs, all I wants, is for you to try to run, to turn your back on me and run. I know you aint going to. Because all you got to beat is me. I got to beat old Carothers. Get your pistol.""No," the other said. "Go home. Get out of here. Tonight I will come to your house-----""After this?" Lucas said. "Me and you, in the same country, breathing the same air even? No matter what you could say, what you could even prove so I would have to believe it, after this? Get your pistol.”