Around 1209, the mechanical clock began to appear in Europe, particularly in monasteries and towns, revolutionizing timekeeping. This technology allowed for more precise scheduling of daily activities, including prayer and work, which was crucial in a society that relied heavily on the church's rhythm. The introduction of mechanical clocks marked a shift in how people perceived and organized time, influencing various aspects of life and culture.

The advent of the mechanical clock influenced poets and writers by changing the way time was conceptualized in literature. The themes of time and mortality became more pronounced in poetry, as seen in the works of later poets like John Milton and Andrew Marvell, who explored the fleeting nature of time and its impact on human experience.