Arnold Bennett’s Short Story: ‘Why the Clock Stopped’

Bennett writes a story of filial love and misunderstanding.

A brother and sister each hide a secret from each other in "Why the Clock Stopped." A detail from "The Lady's Last Stake," circa 1759, by William Hogarth. Buffalo AKG Art Museum, New York. Public Domain

Have you ever experienced a complicated moment when the truth of a situation comes out in the most surprising way? In such moments, you need a sense of humor, for it will carry you through confusing details and reveal the truth.

In his short story “Why the Clock Stopped,” Arnold Bennett ponders this interesting connection between truth and humor. As a brother and sister try to tell one another that they are each engaged, they skirt the truth and entangle themselves in the most comical of coincidences. Through this tangle, Bennett shows that truth and humor accompany and complete each other.

Unexpected Visitor

Richard Morfe, 42, and Mary Morfe, 38, share a house as bachelor brother and spinster sister. Richard is an accountant, the organist at Saint Luke’s Church, and the conductor for the Burnley Orpheus Glee and Madrigal Club, while Mary keeps house and works as the librarian for the glee and madrigal club.