 First edition (UK) | |
| Author | Philip Pullman |
|---|---|
| Illustrator | Peter Bailey |
| Language | English |
| Genre | Children's novel |
| Publisher | Doubleday |
Publication date | 1996 |
| Publication place | United Kingdom |
| Media type | |
| Pages | 92 pp |
| ISBN | 0-385-40755-6 |
| OCLC | 36964106 |
Clockwork, or All Wound Up is an illustrated short children's book byPhilip Pullman, first published in the United Kingdom in 1996 byDoubleday, and in the United States byArthur A. Levine Books in 1998. The Doubleday edition was illustrated by Peter Bailey and the Arthur A. Levine Books edition was illustrated by Leonid Gore.[1] It was shortlisted for both theWhitbread Children's Book Award and for aCarnegie Medal in 1997.[2]
Pullman has said his novel was inspired by an old clock he came across in London'sScience Museum.[1] Noting the movement of the clock'sgears, he wrote the story with elements that move in opposite directions.[3]
Clockwork is set in the fictional town of Glockenheim inGermany in "the old days". It has three main characters: Karl, anapprenticeclockmaker who has failed to make a figure for the town clock; Gretl, who is a very selfless young girl and is the daughter of the innkeeper of Glockenheim and Fritz, a local writer whose unfinished story sets the gears ofClockwork turning.[4]
The townspeople gather in the White Horse Tavern the evening before a new figure for their town clock made by Karl is to be unveiled. Karl, however, admits to Fritz that he has not made the figure, the first apprentice in hundreds of years to fail to do so.
The people in the tavern listen to Fritz read his latest story about a localaristocrat, Prince Otto, and his young son, Prince Florian. Prince Otto dies while on a hunting trip. His heart has been replaced with a clockwork mechanism that enables him to drive his son home in their sledge. Fritz wrote down the story after having a dream, but he has not thought of an ending for it, and hopes that he will be able to think up one on the spot: "He was just going to wind up the story, set it going, and make up the end when he got there."
The story begins to come true when Dr. Kalmeneius comes to the door of the tavern. Fritz flees in terror. Dr. Kalmeneius offers Karl a clockwork figure called Sir Ironsoul, which Karl accepts. Karl's acceptance of the gift sets in motion a chain of interlocking stories. A price must be paid for this gift, as Sir Ironsoul is a mechanical knight that comes alive and kills anyone who says the word "Devil". Only the song "The Flowers of Lapland" can stop him and put him back to sleep.
The narrative shifts back and forwards through time.[5] It is revealed that Prince Florian was made from clockwork by Dr. Kalmeneius at the wishes of his father. His mechanical heart will soon wind down. Gretl is the only person who can restore true life to him. All the stories come together as one. Karl places Prince Florian in the clock's tower as his apprentice piece. Karl is killed by Sir Ironsoul. Gretl finishes the journey by bringing Prince Florian to life through her unselfish love.
Clockwork has been described as an exciting, suspensefulfairy tale written in an ironic and amusing style. It has a strong moral message.[5] Pullman uses theliterary technique of parallel authorial commentary, similar toRudyard Kipling inJust So Stories.[6] He uses the idea of clockwork as ametafictive device, comparing the interrelated plot elements to the elements of a clock's mechanism.[5]
Pullman provides a moral critique of contemporaryWestern culture inClockwork. It is a metaphor for the idea thathumanity has been sacrificed as society has become more mechanised. Prince Otto's clockwork heart is a direct allusion to the famous quotation fromThomas Carlyle's 19th-century essay "Signs of the Times": "Men are grown mechanical in head and in heart, as well as in hand".
The essay was a warning toVictorian society about the dangers of industrialisation and capitalism. Pullman's novel has a similar warning.[5]
The author also takes the moral position that fulfilment cannot come solely from dreams, and needs dedicated hard work allied with inspiration to be achieved. Karl makes aFaustian bargain with Dr. Kalmenius because he wants an easy way to fulfil his ambition. The Faustian allusions are made clear when Sir Ironsoul becomes murderous when the word "devil" is mentioned and can only be stopped by a special song.[5]
The novel also has allusions toMary Shelley'sFrankenstein. Fritz's story comes to him in a dream, similar to how Shelley experienced the writing of her novel. Dr. Kalmenius can be compared to Dr. Frankenstein as he seeks the secret of life and is prepared to make a monster to do this.[5]
A version with music byStephen McNeff andlibretto byDavid Wood toured the United Kingdom before playing in the Linbury Studio Theatre at London'sRoyal Opera House in March 2004. The production's orchestra was formed from musicians from thePhilharmonia Orchestra and Martin Music Scholarship Fund Award Scheme.[3][7]