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

Bennett writes a story of filial love and misunderstanding.
Arnold Bennett’s Short Story: ‘Why the Clock Stopped’
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
Kate Vidimos
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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.

Though they show little affection, this brother and sister are extremely fond and loyal to each other. They have each abstained from marriage to demonstrate their loyalty and, in this loyal spirit, Mary designates Friday as their special day to spend together.

However, one Friday evening at nine, a young woman, Miss Eva Harracles, a contralto in the music club, calls. After an apologetic greeting, she explains that she is going to the Turnhill station to catch the last car to Silverhays, which leaves before 10. Richard assures her that she has 20 minutes before she must depart.

With this reassurance, Eva proceeds to discuss news about Mr. Loggerhead, the club’s principal tenor who reportedly received an invitation to join another musical group. In response, Mary firmly denies such gossip, leading Richard to turn the conversation to music.

A Stopped Clock

Yet, during their discussion of the “Vision of Cleopatra,” Richard suddenly realizes that the clock on the mantel has stopped. This unaccounted for stoppage has caused Eva to miss the Silverhays car. Recognizing the inconvenience, Mary says: “Well, Dick, the least you can do now is to see Miss Harracles home.”

As Richard and Eva walk away from the house, little does Mary know that she sends two engaged lovers on a beautiful, solitary walk together. Neither does she realize that Richard is breaking his unspoken vow of brotherly fidelity by journeying with his betrothed. During this walk, Richard promises Eva he will break the news to Mary tomorrow at breakfast.

Likewise, little does Richard know that, a few minutes after leaving, Mr. Loggerhead approaches the Morfes’ home and is admitted. Little does Richard realize that, once inside, Loggerhead kisses Mary, his betrothed, and that Mary promises him that she will break the news to Richard at breakfast tomorrow.

As Bennett weaves this comical tale, he demonstrates not only the importance of telling the truth, but also the sense of humor that you must possess to truly appreciate and receive it. When truth comes in such a comical, complicated package, you will need all the sense of humor that you have to reduce shock.

Bennett proves, as G.K. Chesterton says in “Alarms and Discursions”: “Perspective is really the comic element in everything.” The truth is always comical and a healthy sense of humor can help us accept this.

Therefore, whenever you find yourself in a complicated position with truth, do not feel discouraged. Rather, with a good laugh, don your humor and enjoy the comedy of errors that life brings.

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Kate Vidimos
Kate Vidimos
Author
Kate Vidimos is a 2020 graduate from the liberal arts college at the University of Dallas, where she received her bachelor’s degree in English. She plans on pursuing all forms of storytelling (specifically film) and is currently working on finishing and illustrating a children’s book.
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