Essay Questions

Why is the narrator so in love with gardening?

Kincaid has always had a passion for horticulture since childhood. Throughout the book, the reader realizes that Kincaid is not interested in girlish things such as earrings and dolls, unlike other girls. Instead, Kincaid loves tending to fruits, vegetables, and other plants. Her dream is to have created a paradise garden that will stand out. Consequently, Kincaid's relationship with horticulture started when she was very young. Later in life, Kincaid achieves her dream of owning the best garden, and she integrates her gardening experience into literature in which she writes different essays about gardening. The title of this book is a clear indication of the narrator's passion for gardening.

How has gardening shaped the life of the narrator?

Gardening has opened endless opportunities for the narrator. Firstly, through gardening, the narrator has ended up becoming an accomplished literature writer. Kincaid writes essays about gardening to share her experiences in horticulture with the rest of the world. Secondly, through gardening, Kincaid has managed to travel worldwide to visit beautiful botanical gardens such as the Chinese Botanical Gardens. Traveling has shaped Kincaid's human experience because besides seeing new gardens, she gets an opportunity to meet new people. Additionally, through traveling, the narrator receives new ideas on how to improve her garden in Vermont.

What is the symbolic connotation of gardening as expressed by the narrator?

Gardening in this book symbolizes inviolability because of its role in shaping the human experience. Kincaid views her orchard as a paradise, which is related to the first Garden of Eden. Eden's garden is described as the land of delicious fruits and beautiful flowers. Kincaid's dream is to have a botanical garden in Vermont whose beauty is intangible. Kincaid's passion for gardening reflects her desire for horticulture. Kincaid appreciates everything in her garden, and she tries to answer all her life questions regarding various plants and later documents them in essays.