Questions and Answers
What does the author mean when she says: 'The fresh wind from the moor had begun to blow the cobwebs out of her young brain and to waken her up a little'?
Begun to clear her thoughts about being nasty and rude; she was beginning to be more happy and act more like a child.
Near the end of Chapter 5, what are the four good things happening to Mary?
How is Mary's attitude toward Martha changing?
She is being more polite and is growing on Martha; they are both curious about each other and each other's background.
Why is Mary interested in the library at Misselthwaite Manor?
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How does Mrs. Medlock react when she finds Mary wandering through the corridors at the manor?
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Why can't Ben Weatherstaff answer Mary's questions about the garden?
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How does Mary discover the door to the secret garden?
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Why is Mary anxious to find the secret garden?
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Why do you think Mary is fond of Martha's mother and Dickon before she even meets them?
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Why do you think Mrs. Medlock contradicts Mary's report that someone was crying?
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What do you think Mary is learning about life by observing Martha's attitude and activities?
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Why do you think Mary is becoming less contrary?
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Why does Mary become excited when she finds 'sharp, pale green points' sticking out of the earth in the secret garden?
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What evidence shows that Mary has grown healthier in the month since her arrival at Misselthwaite?
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Why does Mary think she must keep the garden a secret?
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Why does Mary ask Martha if the scullery-maid had a toothache?
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To whom is Ben referring when he tells Mary that he once gardened for a young woman who had him plant many rose bushes?
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Why does Mary know it is Dickon before he introduces himself?
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Why do you think Mary gets such pleasure out of hard physical labor in the garden?
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Why do you think Mary trusts Dickon enough to show him the secret garden?
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Study Notes
Mary’s Transformation
- Fresh wind from the moor symbolizes a change in Mary's mindset, clearing negativity and promoting happiness.
- Good developments for Mary include increased hunger, physical activity, empathy, and communication with nature, marking her return to childhood.
Relationships and Interactions
- Mary’s attitude towards Martha evolves to be more polite and curious, indicating a budding friendship.
- Interest in the library reflects Mary’s love for books and desire for independence beyond her confined space.
Conflicts and Discovery
- Mrs. Medlock’s reaction to finding Mary emphasizes her strictness and control over Mary's exploration.
- Ben Weatherstaff's inability to answer Mary's questions about the garden highlights the mystery surrounding its past and access.
The Secret Garden
- Mary discovers the door to the secret garden with the help of a robin, which reveals her adventurous spirit.
- Anxiousness to find the secret garden stems from her curiosity about its long-sealed mysteries.
Connections with Others
- Mary harbors fondness for Martha’s family before meeting them due to their kind nature and Dickon’s unique ability to connect with animals.
- Mrs. Medlock's denial of the crying indicates a secretive atmosphere in Misselthwaite Manor, hinting at underlying issues.
Learning and Growth
- Mary learns life lessons from Martha, gaining a more positive outlook and the importance of enjoying life.
- Becoming less contrary is tied to her increased activities, physical movement, and childlike behaviors.
Evidence of Change
- Signs of health improvements in Mary include better nutrition, social interaction, and rejuvenated energy, marking her adaptation and growth at Misselthwaite.
- Excitement over the garden’s early signs of life shows Mary's hope and investment in the garden's revival.
Secrecy and Trust
- Mary believes in keeping the garden secret to protect it from interference, indicating her attachment and ownership of the space.
- Inquiry about the scullery-maid’s toothache signals Mary’s keen observation skills and foreshadows deeper themes of communication and emotional connection.
Past Connections
- Ben’s mention of gardening for Mrs. Craven reveals a link to Mary's past and sets the emotional tone regarding the garden's history.
- Recognition of Dickon before meeting him signifies Mary’s anticipation and connection based on Martha’s descriptions and shared interests in nature.
Hard Work and Trust
- Mary finds satisfaction in hard physical labor in the garden, a liberating experience that contrasts her previously idle life.
- Trust in Dickon to share the secret garden underscores a natural and profound bond based on mutual understanding and respect for nature.
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Description
Test your knowledge of Chapters 4 to 10 of 'The Secret Garden' with these flashcards. Explore key themes and character developments as Mary begins to change for the better. See how the fresh winds of the moor influence her transformation.
