Question

Examine the final lines of the poem: "Thus, though we cannot make our sun/ Stand still, yet we will make him run."

a. What specific quality or characteristic of the sun is being evoked in this line? In other words, what is the tenor of this metaphor?

b. What meaning can be drawn from this characteristic?

c. This final line concludes the speaker’s argument or message. What is his final point?

d. How does this point compare to the point about time made in lines 21-22 of the poem? How do the final lines offer a solution to the problem posed in lines 21-22?

e. By examining your responses above, summarize how the final metaphor in the poem conveys the poem’s main message.

Answer 1

The final lines of the poem suggest that although humans cannot control time, symbolized by the sun, they can live fully and forcefully. This conclusion addresses earlier concerns in the poem about the passage of time and exhorts readers to embrace it actively.

Step-by-step explanation:

The specific quality or characteristic of the sun being evoked in the final lines of the poem, "Thus, though we cannot make our sun
Stand still, yet we will make him run," is one of constant motion and inevitability. The tenor of this metaphor is that, like the sun, time cannot be stopped. However, the speaker suggests that through their actions and passion, they can affect the passage of time, making it 'run.'

From this, we can draw the meaning that while humans cannot control time itself, they can make the most of it through active engagement with life. The final point of the speaker is to embrace the movement of time and to live vigorously, making time full and rich with experiences.

Comparing this to the point about time made in lines 21-22, the final lines offer a solution to the problem posed earlier in the poem—rather than trying to pause time, which is impossible, the speaker resolves to make the most of it by being active. This reflects a resigned yet empowered attitude towards the unstoppable nature of time.

In essence, the final metaphor conveys the poem’s main message of carpe diem, seizing the day, and living life to the fullest despite the relentless pace of time.