Time in Literature

In literature, time refers to how events are ordered and perceived within a story. It shapes the pace, structure, and development of characters and plot. Writers manipulate time through techniques like flashbacks, foreshadowing, or nonlinear sequences to create suspense, emphasize themes, or explore characters' inner worlds. Understanding time helps readers grasp the story’s progression, its emotional impact, and its deeper meanings. Ultimately, time in literature is a tool that governs how a narrative unfolds and how readers experience the story’s moments, whether sequential or fragmented.