Elinor Wylie: 'In masks outrageous and austere, The years go by in single file But none has merited my fear, And none has quite escaped my smile.'

In masks outrageous and austere, The years go by in single file But none has merited my fear, And none has quite escaped my smile.

Elinor Wylie's quote, 'In masks outrageous and austere, The years go by in single file But none has merited my fear, And none has quite escaped my smile,' holds a profound meaning about how we perceive time and the transient nature of our experiences. On the surface, it suggests that the passing years, represented by masks, parade before us in an orderly manner, but they do not instill fear nor escape our amusement. This straightforward interpretation highlights the idea that time itself is not inherently terrifying or joyless. It implies that our perception of time and the events it brings can be influenced by our own attitudes and reactions.However, delving deeper, one can find an unexpected philosophical concept hidden within these lines – the duality of masks. Masks serve as a metaphor for the faces we wear and the personas we adopt throughout our lives. They represent the multitude of roles we play, the various masks we put on to navigate the world. The outrageous masks depict the daring and adventurous moments we relish, while the austere masks symbolize the serious and earnest aspects of our lives.This philosophical concept raises the question of authenticity and the extent to which our true selves remain hidden behind these masks. It prompts us to reflect on whether we fully embrace our genuine identities or if we carefully curate them to fit societal expectations or personal desires.The contrast between the masks being outrageous and austere leads us to examine the dual nature of our experiences. Life is an amalgamation of contrasting emotions, events, and interactions. The masks of the passing years bring us moments of joy, excitement, and amusement, as well as moments of seriousness, contemplation, and reflection. In the grand parade of time, both the exhilarating and somber masks are intricately woven together, creating the rich tapestry of our existence.The poet's assertion that none of these masks has merited her fear reinforces the idea that fear should not dictate our perceptions of time or our reactions to the events it unfolds. Fear can paralyze us, constraining our ability to fully embrace the present and inhibiting our growth and personal development. Instead, Wylie chooses to approach life's masks with a sense of curiosity and openness, allowing herself to experience all the joys and challenges they bring.Moreover, the line "And none has quite escaped my smile" portrays an outlook of resilience and optimism. It suggests that even in the face of adversity or hardship, there is always a silver lining to be found. No matter how daunting or challenging the mask of any given year may be, she finds something to smile about. This idea encourages us to adopt a similar perspective, to seek moments of joy and gratitude amidst the complexities of life.In summary, Elinor Wylie's quote encapsulates a profound message about the passage of time and the masks we wear throughout our lives. It reminds us that our perception of time is subjective and influenced by our attitudes and reactions. The concept of masks in this quote evokes contemplation on authenticity, duality, and the range of experiences we encounter. Ultimately, the poet's fearless approach to the parade of the years encourages us to embrace both the outrageous and austere masks, finding beauty and joy as we navigate the journey of life.