Tom's Midnight Garden - Chapters 22 and 23 - Reading Comprehension

In the reading comprehension exercise for Chapters 22 and 23 of "Tom's Midnight Garden", students are asked to delve into the nuances of the story. Tom takes great care with the skates because they are valuable to him, and he has discovered that time operates differently during the thirteenth hour, which is a pivotal point in the narrative. The author shifts perspective to Peter's point of view, a technique used to provide contrast and depth to the storytelling. Tom's concern for Hatty's eyesight arises from noticeable changes in her behaviour, while his nervousness about leaving the garden for Castleford with Hatty stems from his deep connection to the garden and fear of the unknown.

The eeriness of Tom wearing the skates is linked to the magical and mysterious elements of the story, as the skates are a symbol of his nocturnal adventures. Hatty's visit to Ely cathedral is significant to her character development and the plot. Tom's decision to confide in Hatty comes at a crucial moment when trust and revelation are essential to their relationship. His desire to ascend the tower is driven by a longing for adventure and discovery. Students are tasked to concisely summarise these rich chapters in no more than 50 words, encapsulating the essence of the narrative's progression and the emotional undertones of the characters' experiences.