Create an illustration inspired by Edward Gorey's style. Depict a scene featuring a character seated inside an elaborate, spherical contraption made of metal rods and various objects that evoke a sense of experimentation or entrapment. The character, wearing an unusual outfit with oversized glasses, sits in a hunched posture, with one hand raised as if caught mid-gesture. The contraption should include strange mechanisms, gears, and hanging spheres, giving the impression of a mechanical device of unknown purpose. Another character, standing outside the structure and dressed in a long, flowing coat, watches silently, their expression unreadable. Use intricate cross-hatching and fine linework to emphasize the complex texture of the contraption, the character's clothing, and the contrasting shadows. The background should be minimal, with deep shadows emphasizing the scene's isolation and emptiness. Include symbolic elements such as a small bird perched on the structure or a pocket watch suspended in mid-air, suggesting themes of time and confinement. Maintain a monochromatic or muted color palette to enhance the eerie, surreal atmosphere and highlight the intricate details typical of Gorey's illustrations.