Question

What does a pendulum suggest to you, and what does an old man with a scythe represent? What connection might there be between these symbols and the scythe on the pendulum in this story?

Answer 1

I'm not sure to which story you are referring, but here's what the symbols mean. A pendulum is the part of a clock (i.e. a grandfather clock) that counts the seconds as they pass. They would symbolize the unstoppable nature of time. An old man with a scythe might represent the grim reaper or another figure of death.
Both of these symbols have to do with growing older and moving on (dying).

Hope this helps! :)