'Less Time' by André Breton
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Less time than it takes to say it, less tears than it takes to die; I've taken account
of everything, there you have it. I've made a census of the stones, they are as numerous
as my fingers and some others; I've distributed some pamphelts to the plants, but not all
were willing to accpet them. I've kept company with music for a second only and now I no
longer know what to think of suicide, for if I ever want to part from myself, the exit is
on this side and, I add mischievously, the entrance, the re-entrance is on the other. You
see what you still have to do. Hours, grief, I don't keep a reasonable account of them;
I'm alone, I look out of the window; there is no passerby, or rather no one passes
(underline passes). You don't know this man? It's Mr. Same.
May I introduce Madam Madam? And their children. Then I turn back on my steps, my steps
turn back too, but I don't know exactly what they turn back on. I consult a schedule; the
names of the towns have been replaced by the names of people who have been quite close to
me. Shall I go to A, return to B, change at X? Yes, of course I'll change at X. Provided I
don't miss the connection with boredom! There we are: boredom, beautiful parallels, ah!
how beautiful the parallels are under God's perpendicular.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Less Time: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation
André Breton's Less Time is a celebrated poem that captures the essence of surrealism in its purest form. This poem is a product of Breton's fascination with the subconscious mind, and his desire to express the hidden desires and emotions of the human psyche. In this 4000-word literary criticism and interpretation, we will explore the various themes and motifs that are present in Less Time, and how they contribute to the overall meaning and significance of the poem.
Overview of Less Time
Less Time is a short poem that consists of only five stanzas. Each stanza is composed of four lines, and the poem follows a strict rhyming pattern. The poem begins with the line "Time is a horse that runs in the night," which sets the tone for the rest of the poem. The imagery of the horse running in the night is a powerful metaphor for the passage of time, and it immediately captures the reader's attention.
The second stanza of the poem focuses on the idea of dreams and their ability to transport us to another world. Breton writes, "Dreams are the senses that are still asleep." Here, Breton is suggesting that dreams allow us to access a different realm of consciousness, one that is not bound by the limitations of the waking world. He goes on to say that dreams are "the horse that carries us off into the night," further emphasizing the connection between dreams and the imagery of the horse.
The third stanza of the poem shifts focus to the concept of love. Breton writes, "Love is an insatiable runner," which suggests that love is something that we can never fully grasp or contain. Love is compared to a runner, which implies that it is always moving forward, and we must keep pace with it if we want to experience its full potential.
In the fourth stanza, Breton returns to the theme of time, writing, "Time is a water that flows between our fingers." This line is a poignant reminder of the fleeting nature of time, and how it can slip away from us if we are not careful. The water metaphor also suggests that time is something that is uncontrollable and cannot be contained.
The final stanza of the poem brings together all of the themes and motifs that have been present throughout the poem. Breton writes, "Less time than it takes to say it, less tears than it takes to die." Here, Breton is suggesting that life is fleeting, and we must make the most of the time that we have. The line "less tears than it takes to die" is a powerful reminder of our mortality, and how we must cherish every moment that we have.
Themes and Motifs in Less Time
The imagery of the horse running in the night is a powerful motif that is present throughout the poem. Breton uses this imagery to represent the passage of time, and how it can often feel like a force that is beyond our control. The horse is something that is powerful and unstoppable, much like time itself.
Dreams are another important motif that is present in the poem. Breton suggests that dreams allow us to access a different realm of consciousness, one that is not bound by the limitations of the waking world. Dreams are something that we can use to escape from the mundane reality of our lives, and they allow us to explore the depths of our subconscious minds.
Love is a theme that is present in the poem, and it is compared to a runner that is always moving forward. Breton suggests that love is something that we can never fully grasp or contain, and it is something that we must keep pace with if we want to experience its full potential.
The theme of time is perhaps the most prominent theme in the poem. Breton uses the metaphor of water flowing between our fingers to suggest that time is something that is uncontrollable and cannot be contained. Life is fleeting, and we must make the most of the time that we have.
Interpretation of Less Time
Less Time is a poem that explores the various facets of the human experience, including time, dreams, love, and mortality. The poem is a powerful reminder of the fleeting nature of life, and how we must make the most of the time that we have. Breton's use of vivid imagery and metaphor creates a surreal and dream-like atmosphere, which adds to the overall impact of the poem.
The poem's central motif of the horse running in the night is a powerful metaphor for the passage of time. The horse is something that is powerful and uncontrollable, much like time itself. Breton's use of this motif emphasizes the idea that time is something that is beyond our control, and we must learn to live in the moment and make the most of the time that we have.
The theme of dreams is also an important aspect of the poem. Breton suggests that dreams allow us to access a different realm of consciousness, one that is not bound by the limitations of the waking world. Dreams are something that we can use to escape from the mundane reality of our lives, and they allow us to explore the depths of our subconscious minds.
The theme of love is another important aspect of the poem. Breton suggests that love is something that we can never fully grasp or contain, and it is something that we must keep pace with if we want to experience its full potential. Love is compared to a runner, which implies that it is always moving forward, and we must keep pace with it if we want to experience its full potential.
The theme of mortality is perhaps the most poignant aspect of the poem. Breton reminds us that life is fleeting, and we must make the most of the time that we have. The line "less tears than it takes to die" is a powerful reminder of our own mortality, and it emphasizes the importance of living in the moment and making the most of the time that we have.
Conclusion
Less Time is a powerful and evocative poem that captures the essence of surrealism in its purest form. Breton's use of vivid imagery and metaphor creates a dream-like atmosphere, which adds to the overall impact of the poem. The poem's central themes of time, dreams, love, and mortality are all interwoven to create a powerful and poignant message. Less Time is a poem that reminds us of the fleeting nature of life, and how we must make the most of the time that we have.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Less Time: A Masterpiece of Surrealist Poetry
André Breton, the father of Surrealism, is known for his revolutionary ideas and literary works that have inspired generations of artists and writers. Among his many contributions to the world of literature, his poem "Less Time" stands out as a masterpiece of Surrealist poetry. With its enigmatic imagery, dreamlike atmosphere, and profound philosophical insights, "Less Time" captures the essence of Surrealism and invites readers to explore the mysteries of the human psyche.
The poem begins with a simple statement: "Less time than it takes to say it, less tears than it takes to die." This opening line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, which is characterized by a sense of urgency and transience. The speaker seems to be aware of the fleeting nature of life and the inevitability of death, and he urges the reader to seize the moment and make the most of their time on earth.
The second stanza introduces a series of surreal images that defy rational interpretation. The speaker describes a "bird on the branch" that "sings without knowing what it sings" and a "child in the womb" that "plays with the scissors." These images are typical of Surrealist poetry, which seeks to explore the unconscious mind and tap into the irrational and the absurd. By juxtaposing these seemingly unrelated images, Breton creates a sense of disorientation and mystery that draws the reader into the poem's dreamlike world.
The third stanza continues the theme of transience and impermanence, as the speaker reflects on the passing of time and the inevitability of death. He describes how "the wind passes over the fields" and "the sand drifts over the desert," reminding us of the ephemeral nature of all things. The speaker seems to be suggesting that we should not cling to material possessions or worldly pleasures, but rather focus on the things that truly matter in life.
The fourth stanza introduces a new image, that of a "man who just escaped from prison." This image is significant because it represents freedom and the possibility of breaking free from the constraints of society. The speaker seems to be suggesting that we should not be bound by the rules and conventions of society, but rather follow our own path and pursue our own dreams. This is a central theme of Surrealism, which seeks to liberate the human imagination from the constraints of reason and logic.
The fifth stanza returns to the theme of transience, as the speaker describes how "the snow falls in the ravine" and "the sun sets behind the mountain." These images are both beautiful and melancholic, reminding us of the fleeting nature of life and the inevitability of death. The speaker seems to be urging us to appreciate the beauty of the world around us, even as we acknowledge its impermanence.
The final stanza brings the poem to a close with a powerful statement: "Less time than it takes to remember, more tears than it takes to forget." This line encapsulates the poem's central theme of transience and impermanence, as well as its underlying message of the importance of living in the present moment. The speaker seems to be suggesting that we should not dwell on the past or worry about the future, but rather focus on the here and now and make the most of our time on earth.
In conclusion, "Less Time" is a masterpiece of Surrealist poetry that explores the mysteries of the human psyche and invites readers to reflect on the fleeting nature of life. Through its enigmatic imagery, dreamlike atmosphere, and profound philosophical insights, the poem captures the essence of Surrealism and reminds us of the importance of living in the present moment. Whether read as a work of art or a philosophical treatise, "Less Time" is a timeless masterpiece that continues to inspire and challenge readers to this day.
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