Location of the Story Allegory
The actual setting for the story is allegorical of the place where the author grew up. Castleford is the city of Cambridge, and she grew up just outside in a small village, in a house much like the one that Hatty lived in as a child in the Victorian era. The familiarity with which she writes about the setting gives authenticity to it as a contemporary location, and makes it just as real-life as the present day location that Tom is living in.
Clock Striking Thirteen Symbol
A clock that strikes thirteen is always going to be a symbol of something mystical and different going on. In this story, it is a symbol to Tom that it is possible for him to slip into another time and travel back to the Victorian era of the house and garden.
Tom's Time in the Garden Allegory
Tom's experiences in the garden are allegorical of Mrs Bartholomew's dreams in that whatever she happens to be dreaming about that occurred in her life is the situation that he finds when he gets to the garden each night. If she is not dreaming of the garden, it is not accessible to him.
Tom Hugging Mrs Bartholomew Symbol
To Aunt Gwen, the way in which Tom and Mrs Bartholomew hug each other goodbye is curious because it symbolizes a prior relationship even though they have only just met that morning. It is also the way in which two children hug and not the way in which a young boy hugs an adult. It symbolizes something a little mysterious and inexplicable that Gwen just can't quite put her finger on.
Calling Hatty's Name Symbol
When Tom cannot find the entrance to the garden as usual, he calls out for Hatty hoping that she will be able to find him instead. When Mrs Bartholomew hears this it is a symbol of Tom's presence in both the garden, and in the wrinkle in time where her dreams exist. This is why she feels the need to explain to him who she is and was in relation to their shared experiences.
