The Secret Garden Characters and Themes

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What was the reason Mary couldn't sleep at night?

The wind was moaning, and she heard someone crying in the distance.

What was the source of the mysterious sound that woke Mary up?

It was the crying of a young boy.

Why did Mary go to see who was crying?

She was curious about the cry and wanted to help. (correct)

She was angry and wanted to find out who was making the noise.

She was afraid and looking for help.

She was bored and looking for something to do.

What did Mary notice about the boy's room?

It was large and filled with old furniture. Signup and view all the answers

The boy, Colin, looked very ill.

False Signup and view all the answers

What was the prominent feature that attracted Colin's attention to Mary?

The candle she held Signup and view all the answers

What made Colin's eyes seem immense to Mary?

They opened very wide, almost looking too big for his face. Signup and view all the answers

What question did Colin ask Mary after he learned her name?

He asked if she had come to live there. Signup and view all the answers

What was the reason Colin's father wouldn't let people see him?

He was afraid people would talk about him and he didn't want to be looked at. Signup and view all the answers

Colin said he was locked up in the ______ because he didn't want to be moved.

room Signup and view all the answers

Colin was accustomed to a life of solitude.

True Signup and view all the answers

What was Mary's connection to Mr. Craven?

He was her uncle. Signup and view all the answers

What was the reason Colin believed Mary might not be real?

He often experiences vivid dreams and confuses them with reality. Signup and view all the answers

The garden had been locked for more than a decade.

True Signup and view all the answers

What was Colin's reaction to Mary's revelation of the locked garden?

He became very interested and curious. Signup and view all the answers

What was the reason the gardeners wouldn't talk about the garden?

They had been instructed to keep it secret. Signup and view all the answers

What was Colin's motive for wanting to see the garden?

He desired to experience something new and exciting and have a secret place to go with Mary. Signup and view all the answers

What was Mary's primary concern about Colin's desire to open the garden?

She was afraid that it would no longer be a secret. Signup and view all the answers

What was the main reason Colin wanted to have a secret?

He had never had a secret place before. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Colin's Story

Mary is awakened by the sound of rain and wind and hears a child crying, a sound that is both haunting and poignant in the otherwise silent atmosphere of the house. The storm outside mirrors the emotional turmoil within.
Mary finds Colin, a boy who has been ill, crying in a room that feels cold and unwelcoming; the dim light barely illuminates the surroundings, emphasizing Colin's frail state. His tears mix with the raindrops falling against the window, creating a scene steeped in sorrow and longing.
Colin asks Mary who she is, his voice trembling with uncertainty and curiosity. His loneliness has left him desperate for connection, and Mary’s sudden appearance in his life offers a glimmer of hope.
Mary introduces herself as Mary Lennox and states that Mr. Craven is her uncle, a revelation that seems to stun Colin. The mention of their shared connection to Mr. Craven sparks a flicker of recognition and intrigue in Colin's eyes.
Colin says Mary's father is his uncle, linking their family histories and deepening their understanding of one another. This newfound bond brings a sense of familiarity, amid their respective struggles.
Colin is ten years old and has been in the house for ten years, confined within its walls due to his illness and the protective instincts of those around him. This isolation has shaped his perceptions and experiences, leaving him craving freedom.
The garden was locked when he was born, signifying not only the physical barriers imposed upon Colin's life but also a metaphor for the emotional and spiritual imprisonment he feels. The garden symbolizes lost opportunities and the beauty he yearns to experience.

The Secret Garden

Mary is led to believe that within the confines of the house, there exists a hidden garden that is not visible or accessible to everyone. This garden symbolizes isolation as well as a place of healing and revitalization, sparking her imagination and curiosity.
The place where Colin is staying is shrouded in mystery and represents a world of secrets. The hidden nature of his surroundings adds an air of suspense and intrigue, indicating that Colin himself might not fully understand why he feels drawn to this garden and its potential.
The characters are deeply curious about the existence and significance of the secret garden, as it represents possibilities that are not part of their everyday lives. Their thirst for knowledge drives them to question its hidden nature and wonder about its past, leading to deeper connections among them.
Mary's desire to protect the secret garden stems from her recognition of its special qualities. By withholding information from others, she believes she is preserving its magic and ensuring that it remains a sanctuary solely for those who appreciate its beauty.
Colin wishes to be in the secret garden, envisioning it as a place where he can escape from his limitations and embark on a journey of self-discovery, partaking in the healing powers the garden promises.
The garden is securely locked away, emphasizing its exclusivity and the idea that not everyone is worthy or ready to experience its wonders, which heightens the allure and mystery that surrounds it.

Mary's Thoughts

Mary is reluctant to share details with anyone about the secret room she has discovered. This room holds a unique significance for her, and she fears that revealing its existence could diminish its value and charm. It is a personal sanctuary, a place where she can escape from the pressures of everyday life, and she believes that the magic of this space lies in its exclusivity.
She feels that keeping the place a secret will make it more special, as she cherishes the solitude and the intimate connection she shares with the room. For Mary, the joy and wonder she feels when she's in that secret space are amplified by the knowledge that it is hers alone; no one else can taint that experience with their presence or opinions.
Mary is especially concerned that the secret will be spoiled if others find out about it. The notion that someone might invade her hidden haven or alter its untouched atmosphere weighs heavily on her mind, creating a sense of urgency to protect this precious secret.
Mary does not want the secret to come to an end and wishes it to remain a secret forever. The thought of sharing it with someone and potentially losing that personal connection fills her with dread, driving her to guard it fiercely against the outside world. To her, the secret room represents not only a physical space but also an emotional refuge, and she hopes to preserve the sanctity of her own intimate world for as long as possible.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

Explore the intriguing characters and themes from 'The Secret Garden', focusing on Mary Lennox and Colin. Delve into their relationship and the significance of the secret garden as a source of mystery and healing. Understand how their perspectives shape their experiences within the story.