The phrase "A Tennyson garden, heavy with scent, languid; the return of the word swoon" evokes a vivid imagery of a lush, fragrant garden reminiscent of the romantic poetry of Alfred Lord Tennyson. It suggests a place that is not only beautiful but also imbued with a sense of overwhelming pleasure and tranquility, where one might feel faint from the intensity of the experience. The use of "swoon" indicates a deep emotional response, perhaps suggesting nostalgia or longing.

In Margaret Atwood's "The Handmaid's Tale," this quote captures a serene yet rich atmosphere that contrasts sharply with the oppressive themes present throughout the novel. The idyllic notion of a garden serves as a reminder of natural beauty and human emotions that are often suppressed in the dystopian setting. By reviving such sensory language, Atwood highlights the stark difference between freedom and the constraints imposed on individuals in her depicted society.