Many theorists have been attracted to the idea that literature can help us penetrate the mystery of time. Argues that the track record of the works they appeal to is poor. Finds some common ground with the literary philosophers, and suggests ways in which fiction might tell us things about time; But alsosuggests that there is very little to be hoped for from this programme. A belief to the contrary is largely the result of a misunderstanding about what counts as a question about time.
Keywords: Bakhtin, film, literature, McTaggart, temporal experience, time