Question

How is time represented in “persistence of memory” by salvador Dali? What effect does Dali achieve? Can writers use similar techniques in written works? How would writers achieve this with words?

Answer 1

In Persistence of Memory, time is represented by clocks and hourglass. The clocks appear as though they are made of rubber, or cloth, draped over other objects. They are flexible and can bend. Some suggest that Dali was influenced by the scientific discoveries of the day, particularly Einstein's theories in which time is flexible not static.

Writers do not have to view the passage of time as a static thing either. They can describe events in the present and then flashback to past events. They can in one sentence describe a year of time, or they can in minute detail discuss what is happening with each passing second. In other words, writers can control and bend time just as Dali has done.