Here's the thing about time: it just doesn't quit. If you're Einstein, you can theorize about the relativity of time and how the universe is just one big co-op where the past, future, and present coexist. But for most of us, time is an unstoppable force that tick-tocks our way to dementia, disability, and death.
Sound grim? It's supposed to. Stanza 5 of "Corinna's Going A-Maying" lays the grim on thick in order to persuade Corinna to seize the present and live in the moment. It's a classic carpe diem moment, but even though the speaker obviously wants to get in Corinna's green-gown, his obsession with time also indicates a more universal fear that life will pass them by.
Questions About Time
- Does time get meaner when you're older? Does it speed up? How do you think the speaker would answer that? Corinna?
- Does it matter if you waste time when you're already old?
- What is the relationship between time and love in this poem? Is it the same as between time and lust?
Chew on This
The carpe diem theme of stanza 5 implies that sex is just one aspect of life.
The carpe diem theme of stanza 5 argues that physical pleasure is the main purpose of life.