Final answer:
The ticking of the ebony clock symbolizes the party goers' perception of time passing and highlights the impermanence of life.
Step-by-step explanation:
The ticking of the ebony clock in the given passage symbolizes the party goers' perception of time passing.
The sound of the clock is described as a sharp, distinct, metallic percussion and its recurrence is slow but regular. As the intervals between the ticks grow longer, the sound becomes stronger and more sharp. This creates a sense of anticipation and apprehension among the party attendees.
The ticking of the clock represents the passage of time and serves as a reminder that time is fleeting, highlighting the impermanence of life and the inevitability of death.