Reader Respond Critique .docx

How do we Affect Time?
Howard A Smith.
Briarcliffe College. Bethpage Campus.



How do we Affect Time?
This poem by T.S. Eliot, tittle Burnt Norton expressed the sentiment that we must not waste time. In other words, we should pursue a life filled with happiness and purposeful accomplishments. As a matter fact, I find this work of literature quite gratifying. After analyzing the poem, I observed a number of concepts that shared similarity to my perception on life. Notwithstanding, in my reader criticism response, I will share my analysis and interpretations on information such as; (1) the parts of the poem that I find powerful and significant- and my personal interpretations. (2) How the main themes and messages of the poem relates to my personal life experiences and perceptions on life. And (3) the connection made from this poem to other literature I have read in books and watched on film.

Parts of the poem that are powerful and significant to me
First, it echoed within this work of literature, that it is a sad thing to waste time. For example, we must live lives filled with purpose and value. It has been said that Time is ever existing. There is Time past, Time present and Time future. This concept of time gave resonance in lines 11-13 of part V of the poem tittle Burnt Norton, by T.S. Eliot. The poet wrote, "And the end and the beginning were always there. Before the beginning and after the end. And all is always now." Even though time is ever existing, as quoted, (past, future and present.) time present is what matters and should not be taken for granted. Time present is the human life-span or lifetime. The human experience cannot affect time past and time future, but we affect time at present by making the most of it. In addition, lines 36-38 of said poem, stated, "Quick now, here, now, always—Ridiculous the waste sad time, Stretching before and after." In other words, our time or life within time present, is limited, therefore it is important that we do not waste it. We must live valuable and meaningful lives. Our lives must also affect others such as our family, friends, and also the society on a whole. Life is considered a waste when lived without making purposeful contributions.

Furthermore, it is written in first three lines of the poem, that "words move, music Moves-Only in time; but that which is only Living-Can only die." I interpreted these lines in the context that life is very limited within time. We can act and accomplish things only while we are alive. Additionally, I saw words and music as describing our achievements and shortcomings, and only in time referring to our life-span or lifetime. Plus, "but that which is only Living-Can only die," to mean that our life in time is limited. Once we live, we will die—time is precious and we must make the most of it while we live. Therefore, we must question ourselves— "am I happy enough, and have I made others happy with my life? Have I accomplished anything of significance, or has my life impacted anyone in meaningful ways? The answers to these questions may measure the value of our lives.

In continuing my analysis; I read lines 4-6 which stated "Only by the form, the pattern, can words or music reach, the stillness," and also lines 22-23"The detail of the pattern is movement, as in the figure of ten stairs." This is saying that words by themselves is of little value. Words are spoken then disappear and vanished in a moment. Words have more life and effect when it is associated with forms and patterns. Forms and patterns give life and meaning to words. Words are like our life or actions, whereas forms and patterns are our positive values and achievements in life. Our life must be associated with value and accomplishments.

How I relate to the main themes and messages of this poem
I believe that life is much more than what it seems. In other words, there is more to life than just been born, life and death. My perception on life is to use my God given abilities to accomplish goals and attain happiness. I want to ensure that my life makes lasting impact on people's lives before I die. I would think that if I should fail in this endeavor—then my life would be considered a wasted one. Furthermore, I do not like the idea of wasting my life. Therefore, I strived for a good college education. A good education will be the key to my accomplishments and happiness.

Notwithstanding, I have already achieved a few accomplishments of my own of which I considered to be of value to my life. I am a good father to my six beautiful children—three boys and three girls. I am satisfied with their progress so far. My eldest daughter is attending a four-year college, majoring in medicine, while my second eldest daughter is doing great in high school. In addition to this, I have worked as a police officer in my native country of Jamaica for ten years, providing dedicative services while upholding the law. Presently, I am enrolled in college majoring in criminal justice with aspiration to practice law. As a result of my success, I will be able to provide valuable service to society. I will be given a good salary which will assist me in achieving happiness and fulfilling my dreams. This is my perception on life. My life will be like words and music that reach the stillness—like words with form and pattern.

The connection made to other story that I have read and watched on film.
I have always been fascinated by the culture and history of the Ancient Egyptians. Thereby reading lines from the poem such as; "Words moves, music moves, -- words after speech reach into silence. Only by form, pattern, can words or music reach the stillness. --The detail of pattern is movement" connected me to another story I have both read in books and watch on film about the ancient Egyptians. This particular story gives emphasis to the Ancient Egyptians' obsession with the value within their language of imagery. This was how they communicate through language. Their system of language was called the Hieroglyphics. The hieroglyph was a very interesting and unique writing system developed by the Ancient Egyptians. Hieroglyphics consisted of words that are comprised of various imageries. Hieroglyphic symbols were purposefully combined with imagery to evoke a spiritual and physical sensation within the reader's consciousness. This sensation caused the reader to connected and embodied in the conveyed message. A person could experience the sensation that he/she is seeing, hearing and feeling the message conveying in the texts. For instance, consider an Egyptian text or story that has been written thousands of years ago in hieroglyphics—been read today. It has been said that the hieroglyphics is capable of activating parts in the reader's brain (and mind) --enacting his conscious awareness. In other-words, it's like the reader was taken back in time and place (and time and space) of the actual story. He could mentally visualize the story being told as if he was actually present--He could see the characters, plot the setting of the story unfolding right before his eyes—the texts seemed alive!

Similarly, this bored resemblance to parts in T.S. Eliot's poem; that words without form, pattern or imagery, have no lasting effect. One could then confirm that an image is worth a thousand words. It was said that this system of hieroglyphics was taught to the Ancient Egyptians by the Egyptian god named Thoth. The Ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics was also believed to be the writing of God or "God's word". The hieroglyphs were first written on walls and buildings of the Ancient Egyptian pharaohs, then later written on tombs and coffins of dead pharaohs such as the tomb of Ramesses the sixth. These hieroglyphs were said to contain powers, magic, and spells that protects the dead pharaoh from evil and danger, and ensure safe passage for the dead pharaoh's journey through the underworld in the afterlife or the Duat.

CONCLUSION
Finally, I can say that I found various themes and messages in this poem to be quite powerful and significant. I could relate this work of literature to my personal perception on life. Particular ideas and concepts within this poem shared similarities to other facts of history I have studied. In my closing remarks, I can say that this poem tittle Burnt Norton by T.S. Eliot, has echoed the sentiments that time wasting is a sad thing. However, because of the fact that time is limited, we must make the best of it while it last. Therefore, we must strive on pursuing lives that is filled with happiness and accomplishments.







HOW DO WE AFFECT TIME? 4

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