A thousand years ago five minutes wereEqual to forty ounces of fine sand.Outstare the stars. Infinite foretime andInfinite aftertime: above your headThey close like giant wings, and you are dead.
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In the quoted passage from Vladimir Nabokov's "Pale Fire," the concept of time is explored, suggesting that a thousand years can feel like the fleeting five minutes of reality. It highlights a profound disconnect between human perception of time and the vastness of eternity. The imagery of fine sand adds depth, conveying how moments can slip away unnoticed while the universe continues its relentless march.
The reference to the stars further emphasizes the insignificance of individual existence in the grand scheme of infinite time. The closing of "giant wings" symbolizes the inevitability of death, marking the conclusion of one's journey. Ultimately, Nabokov invites readers to reflect on life, mortality, and the paradox of time's fleeting nature against the backdrop of the cosmos.
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