Chapter 4 

                                                      The Old-Clock Shop


1. Describe the setting of the story “The Old-Clock Shop.”

Answer: The story is set on Christmas Eve in Salt Lake City, USA. A thick sheet of white snow covers the city, and most shops have already closed. However, Ray’s old-clock shop is still open, with lights burning inside. The cold, quiet atmosphere outside contrasts with the warmth and ticking clocks inside the shop, creating a peaceful yet tense setting.


2. Who is Ray, and what kind of person is he?

Answer: Ray is the old and deaf owner of an old-clock shop. He is kind, patient, wise, and compassionate. Despite his age and disability, he continues to work carefully on clocks. He has a strong sense of humanity and helps needy people without expecting profit.


3. Why was Ray still working in his shop on Christmas Eve?

Answer: Ray was still working because he was dedicated to his work and had not yet finished repairing a clock. He did not seem concerned about the late hour or the holiday, showing his commitment and sense of responsibility.


4. What incident made Ray realize that the last visitors were not shoppers?

Answer: Ray felt a cold rush of air when the door opened and noticed the behaviour of the two men. One stayed near the door while the other approached the counter with unfriendly eyes. Their suspicious manner and lack of interest in clocks made Ray realize they were not genuine shoppers.


5. Describe the two visitors who entered Ray’s shop.

Answer: The two visitors were men, one in his twenties and the other closer to fifty. The younger man stayed near the door, while the older man came to the counter. Their appearance and behaviour suggested that they were troubled and possibly planning something wrong.


6. How did Ray hide his fear when he noticed the danger?

Answer: Although Ray felt fear after noticing the shape of a gun in the man’s coat pocket, he remained calm. He controlled his emotions, smiled gently, and continued to communicate politely through writing, showing great courage and presence of mind.


7. How did Ray communicate with the visitors, and why?

Answer: Ray communicated using a notepad and pencil because he was deaf. He pointed to his ears to make the visitors understand his condition. Writing helped him communicate calmly and also slowed the situation, preventing violence.


8. What details made Ray suspect that the man had a gun?

Answer: Ray noticed the shape of a gun and the restless movement of the man’s hand inside his right coat pocket. This observation increased Ray’s fear but also made him more alert.


9. Why did Ray feel anger, and how did he control it?

Answer: Ray felt anger because the men might be planning to rob him. However, an inner voice advised him to remain calm. He controlled his anger and responded with kindness and patience instead of fear or aggression.


10. What message did Ray first write on the notepad?

Answer: Ray wrote, “May I help you?” This polite question showed his calm attitude and willingness to help, even though he suspected danger.


11. What does the cruel smile of the older man suggest?

Answer: The cruel, mocking smile suggests that the man knew Ray was vulnerable and expected to take advantage of him. It also indicates that the man initially had dishonest intentions.


12. Why did Ray believe the men were in need?

Answer: Ray noticed signs of poverty, desperation, and shame in the man’s eyes. Their appearance and behaviour suggested they were down on their luck and driven by need rather than cruelty.


13. Explain why Ray was not a pawnbroker.

Answer: Ray was not a pawnbroker because he did not charge interest on the money he lent. He accepted watches and clocks only as security and returned them at the same price whenever the owners came back.


14. Why did Ray lend money even when he knew it was risky?

Answer: Ray lent money because he was compassionate and believed in helping people in need. His humanity was stronger than his concern for profit or personal safety.


15. How did the ‘loan board’ reflect Ray’s character?

Answer: The loan board filled with hanging clocks and watches showed Ray’s generosity. It proved that he had helped many people in difficult situations without exploiting them.


16. What question did the older man write on the notepad?

Answer: The older man wrote, “How much will you give me for this?” referring to the watch on his wrist.


17. Why did Ray ask, “How much do you need for it?”

Answer: Ray asked this question because he understood the man’s need. He was more concerned about helping the man than about the actual value of the watch.


18. Describe the importance of the watch in the story.

Answer: The watch was ordinary in value but powerful in meaning. It became a symbol of trust, hope, and a peaceful solution to a dangerous situation.


19. Why is it said that the watch had “great powers”?

Answer: The watch had great powers because it prevented a crime, saved Ray from harm, and gave the man a chance to return to an honest path.


20. Why did Ray give fifty dollars for a watch not worth that much?

Answer: Ray gave fifty dollars because he wanted to help the man in need. He knew the money could change the man’s situation and prevent wrongdoing.


21. What change did Ray notice in the man’s eyes?

Answer: Ray noticed shame and gratitude in the man’s grey eyes, showing that the man regretted his intentions and felt thankful for Ray’s kindness.


22. How did the handshake between Ray and the man symbolize trust?

Answer: The handshake symbolized mutual understanding, trust, and peace. It marked the moment when hostility turned into gratitude.


23. What message did the man write before leaving?

Answer: The man wrote, “I will be back to pick it up as soon as I can. Merry Christmas!”


24. Why is this message significant?

Answer: The message shows the man’s honesty, hope, and intention to return. It reflects the positive impact of Ray’s kindness.


25. Describe the role of the clocks at the end of the story.

Answer: The clocks strike together on the half hour, filling the shop with a musical sound that spreads hope, peace, and goodwill.


26. What is the symbolic meaning of the clocks chiming together?

Answer: The chiming symbolizes harmony, peace, and the Christmas message of goodwill toward all.


27. How does the story reflect the spirit of Christmas?

Answer: The story reflects Christmas spirit through kindness, forgiveness, compassion, and helping those in need.


28. Why did the younger man remain at the door?

Answer: The younger man likely stayed at the door to act as a lookout, suggesting that the men initially planned a robbery.


29. What role did Ray’s deafness play in the story?

Answer: Ray’s deafness slowed communication, reduced tension, and prevented sudden violence. It helped calm the situation.


30. How did Ray’s calm behaviour change the situation?

Answer: Ray’s calmness removed fear and aggression, making the man feel ashamed and grateful instead of hostile.


31. Do you think Ray was brave? Give reasons.

Answer: Yes, Ray was brave because he faced danger calmly, trusted the goodness in people, and acted with courage and kindness.


32. How does the story show faith in human goodness?

Answer: Ray believes that kindness can change people, and his faith is rewarded when the man chooses honesty over crime.


33. What lesson does the story teach about kindness?

Answer: The story teaches that kindness has the power to transform hearts and prevent wrongdoing.


34. How does the author build tension in the story?

Answer: Tension is built through the suspicious behaviour of the visitors, the presence of a gun, and Ray’s inner fear.


35. What is the mood of the story at the beginning?

Answer: The mood at the beginning is quiet, cold, and slightly tense due to the snow and late hour.


36. How does the mood change by the end?

Answer: By the end, the mood becomes peaceful, hopeful, and warm with the chiming clocks and Christmas message.


37. Why is Ray’s shop described as “old”?

Answer: The shop is old to emphasize tradition, patience, and timeless values like kindness and trust.


38. What would have happened if Ray had reacted with fear?

Answer: If Ray had reacted with fear, the situation might have turned violent, leading to robbery or harm.


39. Do you think the man will return to collect the watch? Why?

Answer: Yes, because he showed honesty and gratitude, and Ray trusted him without conditions.


40. Why is the title “The Old-Clock Shop” appropriate?

Answer: The title is appropriate because the shop is the central place where the story unfolds and symbolizes timeless human values such as compassion, peace, and goodwill.

Answer by Mrinmoee