The Bell

As the title of the novel suggests, the bell is the central symbol of the work. Murdoch introduces not one but two bells into the story: one ancient and buried deep in the lake at Imber Court, and one newly minted, whose arrival prompts the climax of the novel. As James states in his address, the bell represents the speaking of truth, and the proclaiming of that truth to the world: “It rings out clearly, it bears witness” (135). This meaning acquires an ironic tinge in context, as most characters struggle with their inner thoughts, which they find hard to communicate to others. This concept relates to the submerged bell, which lies under layers of mud and muck and is silenced. When Toby and Dora bring it to the surface the bell rings again, first as they embrace against it, and then as Dora flings herself onto it with the desire to free herself of her silence. The sounding of the old bell symbolizes the new understanding characters attain through the novel—especially Toby and Dora, who are instrumental in bringing the bell out into the open. The sounding of the bell therefore becomes worldly rather than sacred; it summons those who hear it to awaken to themselves.