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The Secret Garden Facts & Worksheets

"The Secret Garden" is a classic novel by Frances Hodgson Burnett that tells the story of Mary Lennox, a spoiled and lonely orphan who discovers a hidden, neglected garden on her uncle's estate.

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“The Secret Garden” is a classic novel by Frances Hodgson Burnett that tells the story of Mary Lennox, a spoiled and lonely orphan who discovers a hidden, neglected garden on her uncle’s estate. With the help of her cousin Colin and a local boy named Dickon, Mary brings the garden back to life, paralleling the transformation in their own lives.

See the fact file below for more information about Literature Study, The Secret Garden or you can download our 25-page The Secret Garden worksheet pack to utilize within the classroom or home environment.

Key Facts & Information

THE AUTHOR – Frances Hodgson Burnett

  • Frances Hodgson Burnett (1849–1924) was a prolific English-American author born in Manchester, England. 
  • After her family’s financial struggles led them to emigrate to the United States in 1865, Burnett began her writing career to support her family. She gained early success as a playwright before turning to novels.
  • Burnett is best known for her timeless children’s novels, including “Little Lord Fauntleroy” (1886) and the beloved “The Secret Garden” (1911). 
  • Her works often feature themes of transformation, the power of imagination, and the resilience of the human spirit. 
  • Burnett’s storytelling captivates readers with rich character development and vivid descriptions.
  • Despite facing personal challenges and financial setbacks, Burnett’s literary career flourished. Her works remain enduring classics, cherished for their enchanting narratives and universal themes. 
  • Burnett’s ability to capture the imaginations of children and adults alike has secured her a lasting legacy in the world of literature, making her a celebrated figure in children’s literature with a profound impact on the genre. 
  • Frances Hodgson Burnett passed away in 1924, leaving a literary legacy that continues to inspire and enchant readers of all ages.
  • Inspiration to the story: Burnett’s inspiration for writing “The Secret Garden” can be traced to several sources. One significant influence was the author’s own childhood experiences and her love for gardens. 
  • Growing up in industrialized Manchester, England, Burnett found solace and joy in nature, particularly in the gardens she explored. 
  • The idea of a neglected, hidden garden restored to life may have influenced her own fascination with the transformative power of nature.
  • Moreover, Burnett faced personal challenges, including the death of her son Lionel, which deeply affected her. Writing “The Secret Garden” may have served as a therapeutic expression and a way for Burnett to channel her emotions into a creative endeavor.

THE SECRET GARDEN – SUMMARY

  • Mary’s Arrival in England: Orphaned Mary Lennox arrives in England from India after the death of her parents. She is initially a spoiled and disagreeable child.
  • Misselthwaite Manor: Mary is sent to live with her uncle Archibald Craven at Misselthwaite Manor. The vast and mysterious estate becomes the backdrop for unfolding events.
  • Discovery of the Secret Garden: Mary discovers a locked, neglected garden on the estate. The garden becomes a symbol of the hidden potential for growth and healing in the characters’ lives.
  • Friendship with Martha and Dickon: Mary befriends Martha, a maid, and her brother Dickon, who has a magical connection with animals and nature. Their influence begins to soften Mary’s character.
  • Meeting Colin: Mary discovers her cousin Colin, who has been confined to his room due to perceived health issues. This marks a turning point as Mary and Colin’s lives become intertwined.
  • The Healing Power of the Garden: Mary, Colin, and Dickon work together to bring the secret garden back to life. As they nurture the garden, they experience emotional and physical healing.
  • Colin’s Transformation: Through exposure to the outdoors and the magic of the garden, Colin undergoes a significant transformation. He gains strength, both physically and emotionally.
  • Archibald Craven’s Awakening: The restoration of the garden parallels the emotional awakening of Archibald Craven, Mary’s uncle. He begins to reconnect with his son and experiences personal growth.
  • The Garden in Full Bloom: As the characters undergo personal transformations, the once-secret garden blooms into a vibrant and enchanting space, symbolizing the renewal of life.
  • Reunion and Happy Endings: The story concludes with the reunion of the characters, depicting the positive impact of love, friendship, and the magic of the secret garden on their lives.

THE SECRET GARDEN – CHARACTERS

Mary Lennox: The protagonist is a spoiled and orphaned girl who transforms from a disagreeable child to a caring and adventurous girl through her experiences in the secret garden.

Colin Craven: Mary’s cousin was initially believed to be a sickly and bedridden boy.

He discovers the healing power of the secret garden and undergoes a remarkable transformation in both health and character.

Archibald Craven: Mary’s reclusive and grieving uncle and Colin’s father. He is initially distant but undergoes emotional healing as the secret garden blooms.

Martha Sowerby: A kind and talkative maid who befriends Mary and introduces her to the Yorkshire dialect. Martha’s warmth contributes to Mary’s initial transformation.

Dickon Sowerby: Martha’s nature-loving brother with a magical connection to animals. Dickon plays a crucial role in helping Mary and Colin discover the wonders of the natural world.

Mrs. Medlock: The stern housekeeper at Misselthwaite Manor initially oversees Mary but becomes a witness to the positive changes happening in the household.

Ben Weatherstaff: The gruff but kind-hearted gardener introduces Mary to the secret garden. He becomes a supportive figure in Mary’s life.

Susan Sowerby: Dickon and Martha’s mother appears later in the story and provides guidance and wisdom to the children.

The Robin: A friendly robin redbreast that becomes a companion to Mary and later plays a symbolic role in the story.

THE SECRET GARDEN – SETTING

  • “The Secret Garden” is primarily set in England, unfolding within the confines of Misselthwaite Manor, an expansive and mysterious estate. 
  • The manor is located in the county of Yorkshire. The novel was first published in 1911, and the story is believed to be set in the same time period, with the narrative covering the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Misselthwaite Manor:

  • The imposing and gloomy mansion where Mary Lennox comes to live with her reclusive uncle, Archibald Craven. The manor is surrounded by vast gardens, including the neglected secret garden.

The Secret Garden:

  • The hidden and locked garden becomes a central element in the story. Initially abandoned and overgrown, the garden symbolizes the neglected aspects of the characters’ lives. 
  • As Mary, Colin, and Dickon work to restore it, the garden undergoes a transformation, mirroring the personal growth of the characters.

Yorkshire Moors:

  • The wild and untamed moorland surrounding Misselthwaite Manor. The moors provide a stark contrast to the manor’s formal gardens and serve as a backdrop for the characters’ outdoor adventures.

Colin’s Room:

  • Colin’s sick room, where he has been confined due to perceived health issues. The room is a reflection of Colin’s isolated and sheltered existence, and it becomes a space for his personal transformation.

THE SECRET GARDEN – THEME

  • Healing and Transformation: Central to the narrative is the theme of healing and transformation. 
  • The neglected and overgrown secret garden serves as a metaphor for the characters’ emotional and physical ailments. 
  • As Mary, Colin, and even Archibald Craven engage with the garden, they undergo personal growth, symbolizing the healing power of nature and positive human connections.
  • Magic of Nature: The novel celebrates the enchanting and magical qualities of nature. The secret garden, the Yorkshire moors, and the flora and fauna play essential roles in the characters’ development. 
  • Nature becomes a source of wonder, vitality, and rejuvenation, emphasizing the importance of connecting with the natural world.
  • Personal Growth and Friendship: The characters’ personal growth is intricately tied to the friendships they form. 
  • Mary’s connections with Martha, Dickon, and Colin, as well as the camaraderie between Colin and Dickon, highlight the significance of supportive relationships in fostering positive change and emotional well-being.
  • Symbolism of the Garden: The secret garden serves as a powerful symbol throughout the novel. Initially neglected and hidden, it mirrors the characters’ internal struggles. 
  • As it is restored to life, it represents renewal, hope, and the potential for positive transformation.
  • The Power of Positive Thinking: A recurring theme is the influence of thoughts and attitudes on one’s reality. The characters, especially Colin, learn that a shift in mindset can have a profound impact on their lives. 
  • Positive thinking and belief in oneself are significant elements in the characters’ journeys.
  • Family and Connection: “The Secret Garden” explores the dynamics of family and the importance of connection. 
  • The reunion of Mary with her uncle Archibald Craven and cousin Colin, as well as the rekindling of relationships within the household, underscores the novel’s emphasis on the significance of familial bonds.
  • Resilience and Strength: The characters face adversity, loss, and physical challenges, yet they demonstrate resilience and inner strength. The novel suggests that overcoming difficulties and embracing change lead to personal empowerment and a brighter future.
  • Frances Hodgson Burnett weaves these themes together, creating a timeless and captivating story that resonates with readers of all ages. 
  • “The Secret Garden” continues to be celebrated for its exploration of the human spirit’s capacity for growth, renewal, and the enduring magic found in nature and relationships.

The Secret Garden Worksheets

This fantastic bundle includes everything you need to know about the Literature Study, The Secret Garden across 25 in-depth pages. These ready-to-use worksheets are perfect for teaching kids about The Secret Garden. “The Secret Garden” is a classic novel by Frances Hodgson Burnett that tells the story of Mary Lennox, a spoiled and lonely orphan who discovers a hidden, neglected garden on her uncle’s estate. With the help of her cousin Colin and a local boy named Dickon, Mary brings the garden back to life, paralleling the transformation in their own lives.

Complete List of Included Worksheets

Below is a list of all the worksheets included in this document.

  1. The Secret Garden Facts
  2. The Secret Garden Summarized
  3. Story Review
  4. Key Themes
  5. Story Reflection
  6. Character Analysis
  7. A Friend in Need
  8. 20th-Century Setting
  9. The Revised Edition
  10. Visually Appealing End
  11. My Secret Garden

Frequently Asked Questions

What is “The Secret Garden” about?

“The Secret Garden” is a novel by Frances Hodgson Burnett, published in 1911. It tells the story of Mary Lennox, a young girl who, after being orphaned by a cholera outbreak in India, is sent to live with her uncle in Yorkshire, England. There, she discovers a neglected garden on the estate, which she brings back to life with the help of her cousin Colin and a local boy named Dickon. Through the restoration of the garden, the children also find healing and transformation in their own lives.

What themes are explored in “The Secret Garden”?

“The Secret Garden” explores themes of healing, growth, and the power of nature. It emphasizes the importance of connection to the natural world for physical and emotional well-being. The novel also delves into themes of friendship, family, and the transformative power of love and kindness.

How does the character of Mary change throughout the story?

At the beginning of the novel, Mary is portrayed as a spoiled and disagreeable child who is neglected by her parents and lacks meaningful connections with others. However, as she becomes involved in the restoration of the secret garden and forms friendships with Colin and Dickon, Mary undergoes a profound transformation. She learns the value of empathy, compassion, and hard work, ultimately becoming a kinder and more caring person.

What role does the garden play in the novel?

The garden serves as a central symbol in the novel, representing both the hidden potential for growth and renewal within individuals and the healing power of nature. As Mary, Colin, and Dickon work together to restore the garden, they also undergo personal transformations, overcoming emotional and physical challenges. The garden becomes a place of refuge and transformation for the characters, allowing them to find joy, healing, and a sense of belonging.

Why has “The Secret Garden” remained a beloved classic over the years?

“The Secret Garden” continues to resonate with readers because of its timeless themes of growth, resilience, and the transformative power of love and friendship. Its vivid descriptions of nature and memorable characters captivate readers of all ages. Additionally, the novel’s message of hope and renewal is enduring, making it a cherished classic that continues to inspire readers around the world.

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Use With Any Curriculum

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