Burke’s Changing Relationship to Time

The Ax

Deadlines, waiting, and the approaching millennium shape Burke’s sense that he must act before opportunity or stability disappears.

increasing

Bearing strength in each event

decreasing

The Severance Countdown The Severance Countdown from "The Ax". The Severance Countdown Temporary Time Bought The five-month transition and later severance payments give Burke time to seek another job.

The Severance Countdown from "The Ax". The Severance Countdown Temporary Time Bought The five-month transition and later severance payments give Burke time to seek another job.

The Severance Countdown Temporary Time Bought The five-month transition and later severance payments give Burke time to seek another job. At first he assumes that the interval will be sufficient. Time Becomes a Threat As applications fail, benefits run out and Billy approaches adulthood without continued coverage. The calendar changes from a neutral measure into a record of diminishing protection.

Waiting at the Mailbox Waiting at the Mailbox from "The Ax". Waiting at the Mailbox Daily Hope Burke stays near home for mail that might bring an interview or offer.

Waiting at the Mailbox from "The Ax". Waiting at the Mailbox Daily Hope Burke stays near home for mail that might bring an interview or offer.

Waiting at the Mailbox Daily Hope Burke stays near home for mail that might bring an interview or offer. Each delivery carries the possibility of a return to normal employment. Repeated Disappointment The lack of good news makes waiting feel increasingly futile. Burke eventually turns from waiting for an employer’s choice to controlling the choices of applicants around him.

The Applicants’ Window The Applicants’ Window from "The Ax". The Applicants’ Window A Narrow Opportunity Burke believes the paper industry’s layoffs occur in waves and that his current pool of rivals is limited.

The Applicants’ Window from "The Ax". The Applicants’ Window A Narrow Opportunity Burke believes the paper industry’s layoffs occur in waves and that his current pool of rivals is limited.

The Applicants’ Window A Narrow Opportunity Burke believes the paper industry’s layoffs occur in waves and that his current pool of rivals is limited. He fears a fresh wave will bring even more candidates. Urgency Justifies Action He tells himself he must act before the competition becomes overwhelming. His sense of a closing window turns delay into a moral excuse for speed.

Fallon’s Children as Deadline

Fallon’s Children as Deadline A Visit Approaches Burke learns that Fallon’s children usually arrive for summer visits around the beginning of July. He fears their presence will complicate any attack. A Compressed Plan The holiday calendar and family schedules push Burke toward a final attempt. Time pressure makes him less willing to wait for safer circumstances.

The Interview Appointment The Interview Appointment from "The Ax". The Interview Appointment A Deadline Reached Burke has a real interview scheduled at Arcadia and spends the morning choosing a tie.

The Interview Appointment from "The Ax". The Interview Appointment A Deadline Reached Burke has a real interview scheduled at Arcadia and spends the morning choosing a tie.

The Interview Appointment A Deadline Reached Burke has a real interview scheduled at Arcadia and spends the morning choosing a tie. The position appears at the moment he has nearly finished his campaign. Time Opens Again Burton’s visit interrupts the planned departure, converting a hopeful morning into a fresh period of uncertainty. The book stops at a threshold where neither the interview nor the investigation has reached resolution.

October 1995–March 1996

1996–1997

Spring 1997

Late June 1997

July 3, 1997