How we cite our quotes: (Paragraph)
Quote #1
"Fifteen years ago I came here with Lily," he thought. (3)
Ok, this quote is getting old. We apologize. It's making a reappearance, though, because it shows that the married man is preoccupied with memories of youth and especially of young love. Why is youth a fixation for so many of the characters? Try to draw out its relationship to the garden itself—a setting in which nature is in its prime.
Quote #2
"Imagine six little girls sitting before their easels twenty years ago, down by the side of a lake, painting the water-lilies, the first red water-lilies I'd ever seen. And suddenly a kiss, there on the back of my neck." (8)
Again, what is it about the garden that makes these characters reminisce about their youth? Interestingly, though, Eleanor focuses on an even earlier period of her youth than her husband does. Why do you think she turns back specifically to her childhood? What kind of contrast does this draw between Eleanor and her husband, between female and male characters?
Quote #3
"Come, Caroline, come, Hubert." (8)
This is Eleanor's call to her children. Just as she was once a child in this garden, they are children in the garden right now. Crazy how history repeats itself. Their presence in the story, however minimal, reminds us that while some characters are immersed in memories of their youth, others are living their youth right now. Perhaps an older Caroline and Hubert will one day reminisce about strolling through Kew Gardens in their youth.