HOMEWORK: READING COMPREHENSION

THE SECRET GARDEN

WRITTEN BY: FRANCES HODGSON BURNETT
The Secret Garden (1909) is the most popular novel written by Frances Hodgson
Burnett. The book tells the story of Mary Lennox, a spoiled, contrary, solitary child
raised in India but sent to live in her uncle’s manor in Yorkshire after her parents
death. Mary becomes intrigued by the prospect of the forgotten garden, and her
quest to find out the garden's secrets leads her to discover other secrets hidden in
the manor. These discoveries combined with the unlikely friendships she makes
along the way help Mary come out of her shell and find new fascination with the
world around her.

Mary is abandoned in India, where a cholera epidemic has broken out. Her parents
and family have either died or fled from the terror surrounding India. Mary is sent to
live with an English clergyman and his five children. Afterwards, she is sent to live
with Archibald Craven, a hermit uncle. She meets the housekeeper, Mrs. Medlock
she and Mary instantly dislike each other.

Mary and Mrs. Medlock arrive at the mansion to find that Mr. Craven does not wish
to see them. Mrs. Mary continues to look for the secret garde. Mary decided to
explore the mansion. She comes upon several portraits of a woman that looks just
like her. Mary realizes that for the first time, she actually likes and cares for
someone else. Martha comes to find out that Mary doesn’t even like herself.

Mary finds a mysterious key and continues her search for the secret garden, to no
avail. Martha tells Mary that her mother is truly enchanted by the stories of the girl
from India. Inside, she finds the secret garden. Martha tells her to write a letter to
Dickon to bring some tools for her, Mary meets Dickon. She takes him to the
garden. Mary tells Martha her feelings for Dickon. in this moment, Mary tells her
uncle that she would like a bit of earth to make her happy. He tells her she can
have any piece of earth on the manor grounds. Dickon promises to return to the
garden.

Mary hears a noise during a storm. She meets Colin, Archibald’s ill son. Mary tells
him of the garden and he wants to see it someday. Colin expresses his anger
toward his deceased mother. was when Mary returns to Colin and they talk about
positive thinking. in this moment Mary talks to Colin about taking him to see the
garden. Upon returning to the garden, she notices that spring has arrived and the
flowers are blooming. Dickon declares that Colin will never get better as long as he
only thinks of sickness and death.
Martha tells Mary that Colin will be angry and throw a tantrum if she decides to see
Dickon instead of visiting him in his room. Mary confronts Colin about his health
saying that he isn’t dying he’s only feeling sorry for himself. He tells her that he will
banish Dickon if it happens again. Mary awakens to hear Colin screaming and
throwing a tantrum from inside his room. Mary tells Dickon about the previous
events with Colin. and is for that he is determined to bring Colin to the garden.
Dickon goes to see Mary and Colin and they make preparations to visit the garden.

Colin asks Dickon about the great gray tree from which his mother fell. Colin
claims the garden as his own and plants a rose in his name. Mary, Dickon, Colin,
and Ben continue to tend to the garden while Colin’s strength increases. He is
determined to build his strength enough to surprise his father when he returns.
They discuss Magic. and We discover more about the robin.

Mary and Colin are transformed into happy delightful children. Colin has opened
the drapes in his room that covered his mother’s portrait. Mrs. Sowerby visits the
garden. Everyone notices how much Colin looks like his mother. Mary and Colin
embrace Mrs. Sowerby and wish that she were their mothers.

Mrs. Sowerby sends a note to Master Craven saying that he must travel home and
see his son at once. On the trip home, he thinks back at his son’s health history
and regrets not spending time with Colin. Upon his return, he goes to the garden to
see his son and is delighted to see the children playing. Mary, Colin, and Archibald
walk to the house happy.