Symbols in The Night Circus- The Clock

          One of the biggest symbols that is repeatedly used in The Night Circus, is the clock. The clock is seen inside of the circus and is very intricate and special.

          The novel says, "The finished clock is resplendent.  At first glance it is simply a clock, a rather large black clock with a white face and a silver pendulum.  Well, crafted, obviously, with intricately carved woodwork edges and a perfectly painted face, but just a clock.
          But that is before it is wound.  Before it begins to tick, the pendulum swinging steadily and evenly.  Then, then it becomes something else." (pg. 88)

          The clock in this case is used to represent the fact that everything has to be timed perfectly. The author goes on to describe to all of the magical things that happen to the clock as time passes.  Time is constantly discussed in the book. The timing has to be just right in order for the circus to open at dusk and midnight dinners only take place at exactly midnight. The timing has to be just right for the competition to take place between the young wizards.  Timing is literally everything. By putting so much emphasis on the intricate clock, the author makes it very clear that the timing of everything in the book is especially important.

http://thesearchingeyes.deviantart.com/art/Night-Circus-The-Clock-338089027