Introduction In Kant’s Critique of Reason, the philosopher described time as an element derived from the mental framework (Heidegger 82). Additionally, he argued that the element defines the experiences of any rational agent. Time represents different concepts, including instant, intervals, dates, and durations. In the story, half a day, by Naguib Mahfouz, the author narrates the changes that occur on his first day in school. Additionally, the painting, persistence of memory, by Salvador Dali, depicts an isolated scene with melting clocks. The review focuses on the representation of time in the two literary works. Half a Day In Mahfouz’s story, a young boy, who also serves as the narrator, complains about being taken to school (3). He considers the decision a form of punishment and pleads with his father to reconsider. However, his father assures him that schools are institutions of knowledge that foster human development. The narrator describes the beautiful green streets with different crops, including pears and date palms. Additionally, he describes his experiences at the new schools and the relationships with teachers. However, when the first day was over, the boy went to the gate expecting to find his father, but he was not there. In fact, he noticed that the streets had changed, and he could not trace his way home. The streets were filled with cars, and at one time, a boy offered to help the narrator cross the street. The narrator received one of his most astonishing revelations about his age when the young boy called him a “grandpa”. The short story illustrates the uncertainties of time in the mind of the narrator. When he was being taken to school, his father insisted that the school was supposed to “make useful men out of boys”. Symbolically, the narrator was supposed to experience change after going to school. The narrator shows a transition from a traditional to a modern setting. In fact, the narrator describes the changes as chaotic and destructive. In the morning, the narrator explains that the streets were clear and beautiful with plants and fruits, but the scenario is different in the evening. The passage of time brings many changes to society. Additionally, the author shows that life is very short. The narrator changes from a boy to an elderly man in one day. Time is relative to the changes that occur (Heidegger, 9). In one day, the narrator manages to interact with hundreds of children in a new environment. The boy claims that he fell in love with many girls on his first day. This claim shows that the day, as explained by the narrator, is a representation of time, rather than the hours that pass from morning to evening. The time, in this case, does not represent an instant, but rather a duration. It is a transformation phase for the boy and society. While the boy acquires knowledge and social skills, society experiences new transportation technologies and environmental degradation. Persistence of Memory Dali’s painting comprises a remote setting without plants and animals. In fact, the scene is similar to the edge of a desert or a beach. However, the most significant drawings are melting clocks. The concept represents a dream and the passage of time. According to Shabi, dreams are collections of unrelated things, objects, and people in unrelated scenes (par