Short Fiction · Chapter
IV: The Ringing of the Bell explained
The narrator shifts from his personal bewilderment to the story of Llantrisant.
What happens
The narrator shifts from his personal bewilderment to the story of Llantrisant. On a June morning, a deaf old woman, Mrs. Parry, suddenly hears a great bell, which she claims came from Paradise. Other isolated individuals—a child, some fishermen—also hear the bell, though most do not. The phenomenon sparks a collective memory of the legendary bell of Teilo Sant, said to have sailed from Syon, and the townspeople recall old tales of a wonder that has returned after long ages.
Themes in this chapter
Supernatural and the Divine
The bell is described as coming from Paradise, and its sound is compared to angelic choirs, linking the event to divine or supernatural origin.
The Power of Storytelling and Art
The townspeople recall ancient tales of the bell of Teilo Sant, showing how old stories shape the interpretation of mysterious events.
Characters to notice
- Mrs. Parry
A deaf old woman who suddenly regains her hearing and hears a great bell, which she says came from Paradise.
- Mrs. Williams
A neighbour in the marketplace who initially scoffs at Mrs. Parry's story.
- Mrs. Morgan
Another neighbour who questions Mrs. Parry about the bell.
Key passages
“You cannot begin to solve a puzzle till you know what the puzzle is about.”
One must understand the nature of a mystery before attempting to solve it.
The narrator reflects on his initial confusion and the need to grasp the true nature of the enigma.
“It came sailing across the sea... and I did hear it coming nearer and nearer to the land.”
The sound of the bell approached from the sea, growing louder as it reached the shore.
Mrs. Parry describes how she perceived the bell's sound moving toward her.
“There were such melodies and songs that my heart was full of joy.”
The music was so beautiful that it filled the listener with happiness.
A townsperson recounts the emotional effect of the bell's sound.