April 2009: The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett

The Secret Garden

Which narrative features were employed by the author to make The Secret Garden speak to children? Why do you think this novel appeals to an adult audience as well? What makes it a classic?

Mr. Craven

In your opinion, does Mr. Craven, after subjecting his son to years of neglect, deserve redemption?

Dickon

Upon Mary's first encounter with Dickon, Burnett describes the boy in this way: "His speech was so quick and easy. It sounded as if he liked her and was not the least afraid she would not like him, though he was a common moor boy, in patched clothes and with a funny face and a rough, rusty-red head. As she came closer to him she noticed that there was a clean fresh scent of heather and grass and leaves about him, almost as if he were made of them." What is significant about this passage? Are there any particular motifs that seem to be connected specifically to Dickon?

Martha

Why does Mary respond so well to Martha? What characteristics of Martha's are responsible for awakening the gentleness in Mary? compare Martha's treatment of Mary to Mary's treatment of Colin. Did it have the same effect?

Disliking oneself

Early in the novel, when the servant girl Martha asks Mary if she likes herself, Mary answers , no, she doesn't. Do you think Mary still dislikes herself by the end of the novel? Why or why not?

The Magic

Colin is convinced that something he calls "the magic" explains the wonders of the world. What do you think he means by the "magic"? Can you think of other ways to express the same idea?

Nature

Discuss the powerful influence that nature plays in the lives of the main characters. How does it heal them? How does it inspire them? Do you think modern-day people have enough hands on experience with nature? do you?

Mrs. Sowerby

Of all the adult characters in the novel only Mrs. Sowerby, the mother of Dickon and Martha, seems to know what Mary and Colin really need. Why? what experience does Mrs. Sowerby have that other grown-ups in the story lack?

Mary and colin

Within a few moments of meeting Colin, Mary realizes they have much in common. What are the negative qualities they share? What are the positive ones?

Neglect

Both Mary and her cousin Colin grew up surrounded by adults who catered to their every whim. Yet both of them could also be described as neglected. Why?

The garden

The robin leads Mary to the secret garden but what compels her to visit it again and again? Why does she feel so comfortable there so quickly? why do you think it is important for Mary , at first, to keep the garden a secret?

Mary and her childhood

Although Mary spent her early childhood in the same home as her parents, she barely knew them. Why were they virtual strangers? Why can't Mary mourn them after they die? When does Mary start understanding and caring about the feelings of others?