According to Manlove (1975, 1), fantasy is a literary genre that incorporates non-rational or magical elements. Applying this definition, The Cuckoo clock can be classified as a fantasy due to various aspects of the story. Firstly, it revolves around the traditional concept of a child interacting with animals or objects. In this instance, the wooden cuckoo emerging from the clock serves as the object of communication. This theme is frequently explored in children’s literature.
In Little Princess, a young girl believes that when she is not looking, her dolls come alive and then quickly return to their original positions to hide their powers (Burnett, 1905, 28). This served as a means for many lonely children to create imaginary companions during times of solitude. Additionally, the novel showcases Griselda’s adventures with the cuckoo, as they journey through time and space. The author skillfully constructs fantastical settings like butterfly land, the other side of the moon, and the country of the nodding mandarins, and transports little Griselda and the cuckoo into these realms.
The Cuckoo Clock by Mrs. Molesworth stands out due to its unique approach of realistically depicting a fantasy world and providing logical explanations, which enhances its believability. One example of this can be seen in a scene where the cuckoo invites Griselda to sit with him inside the clock. When Griselda argues that she is too big to fit, the cuckoo responds by stating that size is merely a matter of imagination, and that the entire world and everything within it can fit into a walnut (Mrs. Molesworth, 1931, 49).
The author’s imagination is showcased, illustrating the notion that everything can be shaped according to one’s desires, weaving an enchanting tale for children and fostering their imagination. The cuckoo clock can also be classified as a didactic text, albeit containing fantastical elements. The choice of the cuckoo as Griselda’s friend holds significance. Primarily, the cuckoo symbolizes “punctuality and the faithful discharge of its duty” (Mrs. Molesworth, 15). Griselda’s elderly aunts frequently remind her to honor the cuckoo, which has faithfully emerged every hour for over fifty years.
The cuckoo is seen as a role model for Griselda and her peers during that stage of life. In the 1800s, a cuckoo clock was considered an important piece of furniture in a child’s room. The clock had the ability to bring objects to life and annoy the child using familiar items they encountered daily. This conveyed the message that even when alone in their room, they should behave properly. By adopting the voice of the cuckoo, the author provides guidance and implies that the cuckoo is not just a friend but also an advisor to Griselda.
The narrator repeats the importance of Griselda learning various things, such as controlling her temper, speaking accurately, and behaving politely. The main lesson emphasized is to obey immediate commands, as this is how parents want their children to behave. Despite being spoken by a magical cuckoo, Griselda does not outright reject the lesson. Another characteristic of the cuckoo is that it never explicitly explains its message. This often confuses Griselda as the cuckoo frequently speaks in riddles, causing her to search for the answers on her own.
This text encourages children to engage in critical thinking by empathizing with Griselda and interpreting situations alongside her. The portrayal of Griselda as a relatable and imperfect character further enhances the moral lesson of the story. Griselda starts off as an ordinary girl who dislikes studying, easily loses her temper, and simply wants to have fun. However, as the novel progresses, she undergoes a transformation, inspiring children to believe that they too have the potential to become kind and well-mannered individuals, just like Griselda.
Parents desire a child who is neither entirely troublesome nor too perfect. Griselda embodies the ideal balance, possessing flaws but also demonstrating a willingness to improve. The author presents Griselda as the embodiment of what parents hope for in their child. The story is told by a third-person omniscient narrator who frequently interjects personal thoughts and commentary about the events.
Instead of providing explanations or additional information about the situation or the author of the story, the narrator sympathizes with the reader like a friend. She mentions that she cannot recall the name of Griselda’s teacher (Mrs. Molesworth18) or comprehend how little Griselda could prove anything (19). The narrator never states how Griselda might have felt or thought, but rather speculates about the possible circumstances. This approach adds authenticity to the story, as the narrator simply relays it without inventing it herself.
The narrator engages the child in the story by asking questions and encouraging participation. This style of narration creates a vivid image of an adult kneeling beside the child, reading the book aloud. If a parent were to read the book to their children, they would embody the implied narrator that the child might have imagined. One challenge I encountered while reading this book was due to the author’s method of conveying lessons to the readers throughout the novel. Mrs.
Molesworth, who grew up immersed in didactic tales, wrote during a time when children’s literature had a singular purpose: to instill moral improvement. Alison Laurie’s criticism of 19th-century children’s literature describes it as possessing a conservative moral with underlying lessons that adults know what’s best (Alison, 1984, 20). Mrs. Molesworth didn’t attempt to deviate from this tradition, and while reading The cuckoo clock, I couldn’t shake the sense that the author was reproaching me.
Despite the book containing magnificent stories from the author’s unique fantasy, many readers perceive it as a cliché children’s book that tries to preach to children. This is because children literature is now regarded as an independent genre of literature and another form of education for children. Consequently, the author’s attempt to create an instructive tale for children may feel forced. However, the novel remains appealing to readers due to one constant factor – children don’t change.
Children from 150 years ago still had the desire to play, imagine, and create stories, just like children do today. Whether written in the present or in the past, children’s literature demonstrates the author’s fondness and understanding for children who always want to play and desire a companion to spend time with. The story of The Cuckoo Clock revolves around how children navigate the problem of having limited playtime, excessive responsibilities, and the need for a true friend. Griselda is sent to live with her elderly aunts and often feels lonely and misunderstood by them due to their old-fashioned ways. This leads her to befriend a cuckoo bird, which sets off various storylines. In conclusion,
