Lesson eLearning

Explain what the old clock in the narrator’s house symbolizes in the story.

medium 2 marks Class 12 · English · Keeping Quiet
Answer
It symbolizes the relentless passage of time and the narrator’s anxiety about meeting expectations.

The correct answer is It symbolizes the relentless passage of time and the narrator’s anxiety about meeting expectations. — Thus, the clock symbolizes the relentless passage of time and the narrator’s anxiety about meeting expectations.

Step-by-step solution

  1. Note that the clock is described as old and its ticking is frequent.
  2. Understand that an old clock often represents the passage of time and the weight of expectations.
  3. Interpret the ticking as a reminder of impending deadlines and societal pressures on the narrator.
  4. Thus, the clock symbolizes the relentless passage of time and the narrator’s anxiety about meeting expectations.
Common mistake: Focusing only on the physical description of the clock instead of its symbolic meaning.

Concept tested: Symbolism in literature

Published · How this solution was prepared and checked

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