The quote from Joyce Carol Oates' book "Mary" highlights the fundamental role of time in our lives. It suggests that time is an ever-present force that influences our existence, emphasizing that we are either carried forward by its flow or overwhelmed by it. This reflects the dual nature of time as both a guiding and potentially destructive element in human experience.

Oates implies that our relationship with time can define our journey, shaping how we perceive events and our decisions. Being 'borne along' indicates a sense of acceptance and adaptation to the passage of time, while 'drowned' suggests being consumed by its relentless nature. This thought-provoking perspective invites readers to reflect on how they navigate their lives amidst the constraints and opportunities that time presents.