The Garden Symbol Analysis

The garden that Michelle plants in the White House represents her optimism, and how she uses that optimism to find personal growth and fulfillment. The garden itself is an optimistic endeavor; when she and Sam Kass plan the garden, they aren’t sure whether the garden will actually grow anything. They worry that it could be a huge (and very public) failure. Yet they know that the garden is a worthwhile venture, and they put their faith in the effort.

Fortunately, the garden grows beautifully, and Michelle uses it to find fulfillment in other ways. It helps her begin many initiatives or efforts that she is passionate about: she gets kids from a local elementary school involved in its planting and harvesting; she donates a portion of each harvest to help feed the local homeless population; and it helps spark her signature initiative, Let’s Move! This children’s health initiative eventually garners pledges from companies to make their meals healthier, raises awareness about child obesity and the importance of eating healthy and being active, and helps pass legislation making school lunches healthier. The entire venture is underscored by the garden, a symbol of health and nutrition. Thus, the garden shows how Michelle’s optimism and efforts pay off: it allows her to do meaningful work, perhaps even beyond what she thought might have been possible.