Section+51

Section 51 focuses on the use of time by recognizing time as something that is not extendable. This motif is supported with the illustration of, "the past and present wilt" in order to make way for the, "next fold of the future" (1318-19). This emphasizes the idea that all men must live in the present because the past is gone forever and cannot be changed. The present is now, and it only lasts for a moment. Everyone must think about what they can do for a better tomorrow. The speaker is indicating his desire to always look forward to what is to come instead of pondering on the past. There is also an emphasis on arriving to one's own ideas and conclusions. The speaker stresses that the individual must take heed of the time he or she has on Earth. Time is not endless, and while on Earth, it is necessary to express one's true ideas.

After reaching the epiphany regarding looking toward the future, the speaker demands to the, “Listener up there! . . . Look in my face. . . (Talk honestly, no one else hears you, and I stay only a minute longer.)” (1320-22). Although he achieves happiness, the speaker hopes to get through to mankind, displayed through the eagerness in which he calls to the “listener” but also the seriousness that he commands the listener to heed his advice. He also explains that an individual should not act in a fake manner and only talk with integrity and truthfulness. Later on, the speaker decides to “snuff the sidle of the evening” as he enjoys life’s minuscule pleasures to its fullest (1321).

The focus is then pulled towards the statements made in the rhetorical questions and parentheticals, emphasizing the speaker’s desire for the listener to be open with him, as he is honest with himself when declaring the line "Do I contradict myself? / Very well, then, I contradict myself" and follows with "(I am large--I contain multitudes)" (1323-25). The speaker is confident in his own beliefs that it does not matter that they may be contradictory in the eyes of other people and society. In saying "(I am large--I contain multitudes)" he compares himself to the entire human race, as if saying, although everyone's ideas may be contradictory, no one is wrong, and we must learn to understand them all. Being candid with them allows the speaker to then ask, “Who has done his day’s work? . . . Who wishes to walk with me? / Will you speak before I am gone? Will you prove already too late?” (1327-29). He is mocking their ability to perform menial tasks like working and eating supper. At the same time, the speaker stresses that time is not extendable through the use of these rhetorical questions as he makes an effort in order to pull an original idea out of anyone. The speaker allows reflection in one's mind in order to help him or her be an individual though their own original ideas.