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Lucas Scott · Joined: 15 Dec 2005 Posts: 50 Location: Suzhou, China

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow once wrote: All are architects of Fate, Working in these walls of Time.

I know Henry was a famous poet long time ago. I once read this sentence from a TV series called "One Tree Hill" which I very like. But I can't understand these words well. Henry said "All are architects of Fate"
Who or what can the word "All" stands for?
"all" work in these walls of Time. This is quite difficult to understand. What does "these walls of Time" mean? and what does "work in these walls" mean? Is there any wall of Time?

I don't want to take it literally. So, could you help me? Thanks!
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George Bernard Shaw once wrote: There are two tragedies in life. One is to lose your heart's desire, the other is to gain it.

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lotus · Joined: 25 Jan 2004 Posts: 862

Hi Lucas,

I did not read that poem by Wadworth. So, I will interpret only that one sentence.

All are architects of Fate, Working in these walls of Time.

Actually, the sentence is really quite beautiful and poetic. "All" means "we", all of us. We are the "architects of fate". We design or control our own destiny, while confined in "these walls of time." We have a limited time (our lifetime) to determine our own fate. Though it sounds pessimistic (not optimistic), it actually is very positive in that "we" are the architects of our own destiny. He's saying that we control and shape our own future by what we are and how we think.

--lotus

Lucas Scott · Joined: 15 Dec 2005 Posts: 50 Location: Suzhou, China

Thank you so much, Lotus.

When I watch TV or movies, I always pay attention to those beautiful and poetic sentences, like someone once wrote:"......". I will write them down, but sometimes it's a little difficult for me to understand the real meaning of what the authors want to express. Because, after all, they are not written in Chinese. Smile

By the way, when I heard this sentence, I also searhed the internet and found the poetry finally. The title is " The Builders".
Poetry is always short but tough one to me Smile

But I do believe: With all people's help here, I will get over it.

Thanks
--Lucas
_________________
George Bernard Shaw once wrote: There are two tragedies in life. One is to lose your heart's desire, the other is to gain it.

Wanna know my life and be my friends? I'm non-exclusive boy!
http://www.myspace.com/nonexclusiveboy