Sang Ly’s floral clock functions as a minor symbol to represent Sopeap’s underlying goodness and value despite her rough exterior. Although the clock is broken, Sang Ly keeps it on her wall, ostensibly because she thinks it’s pretty, but in reality because she believes that “broken things deserves to be repaired,” and hopes to someday have the money to repair it to its full potential. Sang Ly’s belief in the clock’s potential and value reflects her belief in Sopeap’s potential and value. Although most people in Stung Meanchey believe Sopeap is nothing more than a useless drunk, just as the clock is just a broken device, Sang Ly begins to recognize Sopeap’s knowledge, wisdom, and warmth, even when it is concealed beneath a veneer of bitterness, recognizing both the beauty and value of the person inside. Sang Ly’s persistent belief that “broken things deserve to be repaired” applies not only to the clock, but also to Sopeap herself, as evidenced by Sang Ly’s efforts to find Sopeap on her deathbed and prevent her from dying alone.
The Clock Quotes in The Rent Collector
I told Ki I wanted to hang the clock on our wall because I liked its flowered face—but that’s not exactly true. There is more. It helps me to remember that even though something is broken, it can still serve a purpose. […] Sometimes broken things deserve to be repaired.
The Clock Symbol Timeline in The Rent Collector
