Master Zacharius by Jules Verne

Name: Master Zacharius
Author: Jules Verne

The story revolves around a clockmaker who lives with his daughter and granddaughter in a small town. He is known for his exceptional skill in creating intricate timepieces. The clockmaker's life changes when he discovers that his granddaughter has been secretly learning to read and write, despite being illiterate according to the town's laws. As the story unfolds, the clockmaker becomes increasingly obsessed with understanding the workings of time and its relationship to human existence. He begins to see visions of a mysterious figure who is connected to the fabric of time itself. The granddaughter's literacy skills become a central theme as she starts to uncover secrets about her family's past and the true nature of their town. The clockmaker's fixation on time leads him to make a pact with the mysterious figure, which has far-reaching consequences for his family and the community. Throughout the narrative, themes of identity, free will, and the power of knowledge are explored in relation to the constraints imposed by societal norms and expectations.

By Jules Verne · First published 1880 · Genre: Science Fiction, Adventure, Fantasy · 5 chapters · 17,227 words

First lines

The city of Geneva lies at the west end of the lake of the same name. The Rhone, which passes through the town at the outlet of the lake, divides it into two sections, and is itself divided in the centre of the city by an island placed in mid-stream. A topographical feature like this is often found in the great depôts of commerce and industry. No doubt the first inhabitants were influenced by the easy means of transport which the swift currents of the rivers offered them-those "roads which walk along of their own accord," as Pascal puts it. In the case of the Rhone, it would be the road that ran along.

What this Textopian page supports

Master Zacharius is listed on Textopian as a novel by Jules Verne, dated 1880 CE.

This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.

Work type: Novel
Author: Jules Verne
Date: 1880 CE
Language: English
Genres: Science Fiction, Adventure, Fantasy, Drama, Historical Fiction
Length: 17,227 words
Structure: 5 chapters, 323 paragraphs
Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)

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Genres

Science Fiction — The narrative explores themes of invention and the implications of scientific advancements.
Adventure — The plot involves a quest and the challenges faced by the protagonist in pursuit of a goal.
Fantasy — Elements of magical realism and fantastical inventions are present in the storyline.
Drama — The story delves into the emotional and moral dilemmas faced by the characters.