Through several plays such as Fences, The Piano Lesson, and Ma Rainey's Black Bottom, he chronicled the African American experience in the twentieth century. The playwright described is

This line reflects on the inevitability of suffering and the wisdom of past masters regarding it. While it conveys a somber truth about human experience, it does not convey a message of seizing the day or living in the moment.

As noted, this line directly embodies the 'carpe diem' philosophy. It encourages the reader to take advantage of present opportunities and appreciate life before time slips away, making it a quintessential expression of this ideology.

These lines depict a sense of chaos and disconnection, highlighting a world that is spiraling out of control. While evocative, they do not promote the idea of seizing opportunities or living in the present moment.

This line suggests a serene existence free from external disturbances. However, it does not advocate for the urgency or action associated with the 'carpe diem' philosophy, focusing instead on a calm and untroubled state rather than seizing life's fleeting moments.