Final answer:
The striking of the 'devil's clock' at midnight in literature typically suggests a foreboding moment where evil or dark forces are at play, marking a significant or transformative time.
Step-by-step explanation:
The 'devil's clock' striking midnight typically implies an ominous or sinister turn of events. In literature, the symbolism of a 'devil's clock' often suggests an encounter with evil or a pivotal moment in which dark forces are at play. The striking of midnight itself carries connotations of transformation, the witching hour, and the boundary between one day and another, where magical or supernatural events are believed to take place.
In the provided texts, clocks and time are recurring motifs that can represent a plethora of ideas. For instance, midnight may represent a significant transition or the veil between the natural and the supernatural, as seen in literary contexts where timing is precise and critical to the storyline. Introducing the devil into this context amplifies the sense of a nefarious turn of events, or the commencement of some dark or forbidden act.
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