A Question about 'Les Soeurs Vatard' by Huysmans?

Question

Ok, so I have the French edition of this book, and I'm trying to read it, but the first sentence is 'Deux heures du matin sonnerent.' (accent grave on the first e of sonnerent). Well anyway, to me this seems to say 'two hours of the morning rang.' But that makes no sense, so could someone please tell me what this is supposed to mean? Thanks.

Answer 1

Best Answer - Chosen by Voters

Yes, it makes perfectly sense. It means: the clock striked two a.m..
Sonner = to ring, but you have to imagine the sound of the clock like a short ring, and then you'll get it.