The clock above the square

Text: an original contemporary local-feature-style practice extract.

At ten past four, the caretaker climbed the narrow steps to the public clock. Below, the square was busy with the ordinary business of the afternoon: bags bumped against knees, a delivery trolley rattled over the paving, and two children chased a paper cup. From the street, the caretaker’s work looked simple. He opened a panel and disappeared behind the face.

The clock stopped. People noticed at different times. One woman glanced up, then continued towards the market. A man stood beneath the tower, checking his watch as if the two instruments might settle their disagreement. Behind the panel, a tool tapped once, then went quiet. I expected the hands to jump forward. Instead, the minute hand remained fixed while the square gradually emptied of people who had places to be.

When the clock began again, it did not announce itself with a dramatic chime. Its first tick was so small that I heard my own coat sleeve move. Then came another, and another. The caretaker emerged, shut the panel and looked up. The hands had advanced by a minute. I had thought the story was about getting time moving again; standing there, I realised the silence had made each returning sound something to listen for.

Analyse how the writer uses language and structure to interest and engage the reader.

In your answer, consider:

• language features and techniques
• structural techniques
• the effect on the reader.

Support your views with detailed reference to the extract.