Both authors utilize time as an abstract concept, changing it, warping it into their metaphysical realms. However, they do this in completely unique ways. Borges challenges the theory of time as a constant by theorizing that many timelines exist simultaneously, branching off into an infinite labyrinth at every decision each and every person makes. Goethe is subtler in his usage of time. Rather than challenging the concept of time as a constant, he warps the perception of time. Thus, both works rely heavily on the reader's ability to set-aside his or her concept of time, to suspend disbelief, in order to read and fully interpret the works. This essay will present a convincing argument to prove both authors correct.
Your concept of reality is threatened. "Time IS constant," you may think, "Seconds always tick into minutes, hours, days, months, and years. Day always leads to night." With those arguments, I cannot disagree. However I ask you to look at time from a different angle. Consider a car accident in which two cars collide and one person on the sidewalk witnesses the collision. The driver of the first vehicle approaches an intersection, as the traffic light turns red. The driver applies the brakes only to have the pedal press to the floor with no resistance. The driver's heart begins to race as his or her foot pumps desperately on the brake pedal. Time stretches into eternity as the brakes finally engage. However, it is too late and the car screeches into the intersection, colliding with the second car. The driver of the first vehicle experienced a warping and stretching of time that made a few seconds last several minutes. Now, let us look to the driver of the second car. Upon seeing the light turn green, the driver eased off of the brake and gently accelerated into the intersection. Suddenly, the car was jolted by the collision. The driver of the second car later states, "It happened so fast.
