Kew Gardens

Woolf is deliberately sparse in her use of dialogue. How does sparse dialogue contribute to the themes of the story? How does dialogue vary between different characters?

Who is the central character in “Kew Gardens”? Explain your reasoning with evidence from the text.

Simon and Eleanor each reflect on their past and the abstract idea of the past, as Eleanor notes: “Doesn’t one always think of the past, in a garden with men and women lying under the trees?” (86). How does the past influence the present in “Kew Gardens”? You may use evidence from Simon and Eleanor’s conversations, or you may reference other passages from the story.

Simon and Eleanor each have a specific memory that they hold to be significant. Why are these memories important to them? What value or meaning do the memories hold for each person?

Why are the two elderly women excited by the behavior of the older man? How does this relate to class and social status?

How does the story reflect the long-term effects of the Industrial Revolution?

“Kew Gardens” features complex syntax. Woolf often employs long sentences for descriptive passages and pivotal moments. What is the purpose of this? How does syntax contribute to the tone of the story?

Describe the mood of “Kew Gardens.” How does the mood change or persist throughout the story? How does the mood relate to the major themes of the story?