Mean Time
By Carol Ann Duffy
The clocks slid back an hour
and stole light from my life
as I walked through the wrong part of town,
mourning our love.And, of course, unmendable rain
fell to the bleak streets
where I felt my heart gnawing
at all our mistakes.If the darkening sky could lift
more than one hour from this day
there are words I would never have said
nor have heard you say.But we will be dead, as we know,
beyond all light.
These are the shortened days
and the endless nights.
Summary of Mean Time
- The Essence of the Poem: Carol Ann Duffy’s “Mean Time” is a poignant exploration of loss, regret, and the relentless passage of time. The poem begins with the seemingly mundane act of turning back the clocks for daylight saving, but swiftly delves into the emotional landscape of a broken relationship. The speaker wanders through a desolate urban setting, grappling with the weight of past errors and the pain of a love lost.
- Central Idea: The poem’s central idea revolves around how even small shifts in time, like losing an hour, can amplify feelings of sadness and regret, particularly in the wake of a failed relationship. It suggests that time, once lost, cannot be reclaimed, and the consequences of our actions and words linger long after the moment has passed.
- Key Themes: “Mean Time” masterfully intertwines several key themes. These include the subjective experience of time, the impact of loss and regret, the weight of unspoken words, and the acceptance of mortality. The poem also touches upon the idea that seemingly insignificant events can hold profound emotional weight.
Analysis of Literary Devices in Mean Time
Understanding the Tools of Poetry
Literary devices are the techniques poets employ to create a richer, more layered meaning in their work. They are the building blocks of imagery, rhythm, and emotional impact. Let’s explore some of the key devices at play in “Mean Time.”
- Assonance: Assonance is the repetition of vowel sounds within nearby words. In “Mean Time,” Duffy uses assonance to create a sense of musicality and draw attention to specific phrases. For example, consider the repetition of the short “e” sound in “fell to the bleak streets.” This subtle repetition emphasizes the bleakness and desolation of the scene.
- Alliteration: Alliteration is the repetition of consonant sounds at the beginning of words. Duffy uses this sparingly but effectively. An instance can be found in “heard you say,” where the repetition of the “h” sound subtly connects these words and reinforces the focus on communication—or the lack thereof—within the relationship.
- Consonance: Similar to alliteration, consonance involves the repetition of consonant sounds, but not necessarily at the beginning of words. Look at the line “as I walked through the wrong part of town.” The repeated “r” and “t” sounds create a subtle texture and emphasize the speaker’s aimless wandering.
- Enjambment: Enjambment is when a sentence or phrase continues from one line of poetry to the next without punctuation. This creates a sense of flow and momentum. A clear example occurs in the final stanza:
But we will be dead, as we know,
beyond all light.
These are the shortened days
and the endless nights.The enjambment here mimics the relentless march of time and the inevitability of death.
- Imagery: Duffy’s poem is rich in evocative imagery that appeals to the reader’s senses. Phrases like “unmendable rain” and “bleak streets” create a vivid picture of a desolate and melancholic landscape, mirroring the speaker’s emotional state. The image of the heart “gnawing” at mistakes is particularly powerful, conveying a sense of internal torment.
- Personification: Duffy breathes life into inanimate objects by giving them human qualities. The “rain” is described as “unmendable,” as if it’s capable of causing irreparable damage. This personification underscores the sense of hopelessness and despair that pervades the poem.
- Symbolism: Several elements in the poem function as symbols. The “clocks slid back” symbolize the loss of time and the inability to return to the past. The “darkening sky” represents the encroaching darkness of despair and the inevitability of death. The “shortened days and endless nights” symbolize the prolonged sense of grief and the lack of hope.
Analysis of Poetic Devices in Mean Time
The Art of Shaping Meaning
Poetic devices are techniques specifically used in poetry to create rhythm, sound, and meaning. Here’s a deeper look at how Duffy utilizes them in “Mean Time.”
- Diction and Tone: Duffy’s diction is precise and understated. She avoids overly ornate language, creating a tone that is both melancholic and reflective. The language is accessible, yet emotionally resonant. The tone is not one of dramatic despair, but rather a quiet acceptance of loss.
- Rhyme Scheme: The poem doesn’t adhere to a strict traditional rhyme scheme. While there are moments of rhyme, it’s more subtle and fragmented. This irregular pattern reflects the broken nature of the relationship and the speaker’s fragmented emotional state. The prevalent pattern, though not consistent throughout, leans towards an ABCD rhyme scheme.
- Stanza Form: The poem consists of four quatrains (four-line stanzas). This consistent stanza form provides a sense of structure and order, contrasting with the chaotic emotions being explored. The compact nature of the stanzas contributes to the poem’s overall sense of restraint.
Quotes to be Used
The following lines from “Mean Time” are particularly resonant and can be used to illustrate the poem’s themes of loss, regret, and the passage of time:
But we will be dead, as we know,
beyond all light.
These are the shortened days
and the endless nights.
These lines encapsulate the poem’s profound sense of melancholy and acceptance of mortality. They serve as a powerful reminder that time is fleeting and that all things must eventually come to an end.