1. Pearce effectively employs symbolic objects in Tom's Midnight Garden. How do the Gothic barometer, the grandfather clock, and the ice skates serve as symbols?

2. Tom's Midnight Garden is a uniquely imaginative time fantasy. What perspectives on time are presented throughout the story? What insights does Tom gain about the essence of time through his experiences in the enchanting garden?

3. Attentive readers might observe several clues in the novel regarding the eventual significance of the character, old Mrs. Bartholomew. What are these clues? When and where does she play a crucial role?

4. Hatty is portrayed as a lonely child, partly due to being an orphan living with three older male cousins. How does she form a friendship with Tom, and what activities do they enjoy together in the garden?

5. Dreams play a key role in this novel. One intriguing concept presented is the idea of shared dreams. What aspects of Tom's character make him open to experiencing Mrs. Bartholomew's dreams?

6. Some critics suggest that the "magic" garden symbolizes a Garden of Eden, representing Tom's and Hatty's innocence, which they must leave behind as they mature. Do you agree or disagree with this interpretation?