Compare the gooseberry garden and the lumber room.

Both the gooseberry garden and the lumber room are forbidden territory in “The Lumber Room” by Saki. Due to being “in disgrace” Nicholas is told he is not to enter the gooseberry garden. The garden surrounded by walls with a door at either end. Within those walls are natural delights such as artichokes and fruit bushes. The vegetation is thick and easy for a child to hide in. The aunt is sure Nicholas will attempt to access the garden, but he has another idea.

While the aunt is preoccupied with her gardening tasks, Nicholas gains access to the forbidden lumber room by using the hidden key. Much to Nicholas’ delight, the room is filled with mysterious objects. Much like the garden, the room has high walls, and its only source of light is a window that opens to the gooseberry garden. While in the lumber room, Nicholas examines a tapestry depicting a hunt scene that alludes to the image of his aunt who is on the hunt for him. As he moves through the room, he examines other curiosities stored away in the dark, dusty room.

In comparison, the gooseberry garden and the lumber room are similar in that they are both forbidden territory filled with delights. Both have high walls and limited access. One is filled with natural delights while the other is filled with material items that are valuable to the adults but off limits to the children. On this particular day, the gooseberry garden is restricted territory for Nicholas, the only child at home.