Loss and Friendship in Tom's Midnight Garden

Tom's Midnight Garden is a classic children's novel by Philippa Pearce. The story centers on Tom Long, who, while staying with his aunt and uncle, discovers an old clock that strikes thirteen. This clock transports him to a magical garden that doesn’t exist in present-day reality.

Story Summary

Tom Long, a young boy, is sent to stay with his aunt and uncle while his brother recovers from measles. Feeling lonely and bored, since they live in a flat apartment without a garden to play in, Tom discovers an old clock in the hallway that strikes thirteen instead of twelve. This clock magically transforms the backyard into a beautiful, expansive garden that exists outside of the present day.

In the garden, Tom meets Hatty, an orphaned girl from the past, and they form a close friendship. Tom visits the garden at midnight when his aunt and uncle are asleep, eager to spend time with Hatty. These visits help reduce his feelings of loneliness and the sense of loss from being separated from his little brother.

He notices that time flows differently there. Hatty's world is not as perfect as it seems as she faces challenges and yearns for her own future. Tom watches her grow up rapidly compared to his own timeline. His visits become a journey of self discovery as he experiences the passage of time and the bittersweet nature of growing up, finding solace in his magical encounters.

As the garden's magic reveals deeper truths, Tom and Hatty's friendship faces the inevitable changes brought by time. Tom must ultimately come to terms with the temporary nature of their magical encounters and the reality of his own world.

Friendship and Loneliness

Central to the novel is the theme of friendship, particularly the bond between Tom and Hatty. Their relationship transcends time and serves as a source of comfort and understanding for both, bridging the gap of time and offering solace in their moments of loneliness. Both characters deal with isolation and loss, with Tom missing his little brother and Hatty grieving her parents, which makes them find comfort in their connection.

The Sadness of Growing Up

Sadness is also a theme in the novel, particularly as it addresses the inevitability of time and the loss that follows. Hatty’s aging and the eventual disappearance of the garden symbolize the sorrow of leaving behind childhood. Tom’s sadness is linked to his realization that the magical garden is not permanent, and he must return to his reality, where he feels isolated.

Childhood Magic and Change

The novel celebrates the imaginative and magical aspects of childhood through the enchanted garden, which serves as a backdrop for Tom’s journey of self-discovery. His experiences in the garden deepen his understanding of himself and his emotions, while the story highlights how Tom and Hatty face and adapt to the inevitable changes in their lives, emphasizing the theme of learning to embrace and navigate these shifts.

References

Montgomery, H., & Watson, N. (Eds.) 2009, 'The Other Side of Truth', Children's Literature, 1st ed, The Open University, Walton Hall, Milton Keynes.
Films, J. (2023). Toms Midnight Garden 1999 . online video, YouTube.(Link).