The Secret Garden

By Frances Hodgson Burnett

“The Secret Garden” by Frances Hodgson Burnett is a beloved children’s novel that tells the story of a young girl named Mary Lennox and her discovery of a hidden garden on the grounds of her uncle’s estate. Through the use of rich symbolism, vivid imagery, and engaging characters, Burnett explores themes of transformation, healing, and the power of nature. The novel employs literary devices such as foreshadowing, metaphor, and allegory to create a timeless and enchanting tale of wonder and discovery.

Themes 📚

1. Healing and Transformation: The novel explores the theme of healing and transformation, as Mary and her friends Colin and Dickon work to revive the neglected garden and bring it back to life. This theme is also reflected in the characters, who undergo personal transformations as they connect with the natural world.
2. The Power of Nature: The novel celebrates the power of nature to heal and transform, as Mary and her friends discover the healing properties of the garden and the restorative effects of spending time in nature.
3. The Importance of Friendship: The novel emphasizes the importance of friendship and human connection, as Mary, Colin, and Dickon form a close bond through their shared love of the garden and the natural world.
4. The Role of Imagination: The novel highlights the importance of imagination and creativity, as Mary’s vivid imagination helps her to envision the hidden garden and to bring it to life.
5. The Dangers of Neglect: The novel warns against the dangers of neglect, both in terms of the garden and the characters themselves. The neglected garden serves as a metaphor for the neglected lives of the characters, who are transformed through their connection with nature.
6. The Search for Identity: The theme of identity is prevalent throughout the novel, as Mary and Colin struggle to find their place in the world and to connect with their true selves.
7. The Importance of Self-Discovery: The novel underscores the importance of self-discovery and personal growth, as the characters learn to confront their fears and embrace their unique qualities and talents.
8. The Power of Positive Thinking: The novel emphasizes the power of positive thinking and the ability of the mind to shape one’s reality, as the characters use their imaginations and positive attitudes to transform their lives.
9. The Influence of the Past: The novel explores the influence of the past on the present, as the characters confront the legacy of their families and the secrets and tragedies that have shaped their lives.
10. The Importance of Belonging: The novel highlights the importance of belonging and finding one’s place in the world, as the characters form a community and create a sense of home and belonging through their connection with the garden.

Use of Literary Devices ✍🏽

1. Symbolism: The novel employs symbolism to represent abstract ideas, such as the secret garden, which represents the transformative power of nature, and the robin, which represents hope and renewal.
2. Imagery: The novel uses vivid imagery to create a sense of place and atmosphere, such as when Burnett describes the lush and overgrown garden or the moody and mysterious Misselthwaite Manor.
3. Foreshadowing: The novel employs foreshadowing to create tension and anticipation, such as when Mary first hears about the secret garden and feels drawn to it, or when the characters begin to suspect that Colin’s health may be linked to his emotional state.
4. Metaphor: The novel uses metaphor to create comparisons between seemingly unrelated things, such as when the garden is compared to a “world of its own” or when Mary’s transformation is compared to a “waking up.”
5. Allegory: The novel can be seen as an allegory for the power of nature to heal and transform, as the characters are rejuvenated by their connection with the garden and the natural world.
6. Flashback: The novel uses flashbacks to provide background information and to flesh out the characters’ histories, such as when Mary learns about her mother’s tragic death or when Colin remembers his father’s neglect.
7. Point of View: The novel uses a third-person limited point of view, allowing the reader to see the thoughts and feelings of Mary and other key characters while maintaining a sense of mystery and suspense.
8. Irony: The novel employs irony to add depth and complexity to the story, such as when Mary’s sour and selfish personality is gradually transformed by her connection with the garden, or when Colin’s fear of being seen as weak actually exacerbates his physical condition.
9. Characterization: The novel develops rich and nuanced characters, such as the stubborn and independent Mary, the moody and temperamental Colin, and the wise and compassionate Dickon.
10. Allusion: The novel makes allusions to other works of literature and culture, such as when Mary compares herself to the heroine of a novel or when the robin is compared to the biblical figure of the resurrected Christ.

Examples of Literary Devices 📋

1. Foreshadowing

Example	Explanation
Mary’s first encounter with the robin	Mary’s first encounter with the robin foreshadows her eventual discovery of the secret garden and the role the bird plays in guiding her.
Mention of Archibald Craven’s travels	The mention of Archibald Craven’s travels foreshadows his eventual return and the impact it will have on the story’s resolution.
Colin’s mysterious cries	The sound of Colin’s mysterious cries foreshadows his introduction as a major character and his connection to the garden.

2. Symbolism

Example	Explanation
The secret garden	The secret garden symbolizes growth, renewal, and the healing power of nature.
The robin	The robin represents guidance, friendship, and the connection between humans and nature.
The key and the door	The key and the door to the secret garden symbolize discovery, unlocking hidden potential, and personal transformation.

3. Imagery

Example	Explanation
The moor	The vivid descriptions of the moor create a sense of place and convey the wild beauty of the Yorkshire countryside.
The abandoned garden	The detailed imagery of the abandoned garden evokes a sense of mystery and wonder, inviting the reader to explore it along with Mary.
The transformation of the garden	The striking imagery of the garden’s transformation under Mary’s care emphasizes the power of nurturing and personal growth.

4. Irony

Example	Explanation
Mary’s initial dislike of the moor	Mary’s initial dislike of the moor is ironic, as the moor ultimately becomes a source of joy, healing, and personal growth for her.
Colin’s belief in his illness	Colin’s belief in his illness is ironic, as it becomes clear that his sickness is more psychological than physical, and his health improves as he spends time in the garden.
The secrecy of the garden	The secrecy of the garden is ironic, as it ultimately brings the main characters closer together and fosters open communication and emotional connection.

5. Allusion

Example	Explanation
The story of Adam and Eve	The secret garden’s hidden nature alludes to the story of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, emphasizing themes of innocence and the power of nature.
The myth of Persephone	The garden’s transformation during springtime alludes to the myth of Persephone, symbolizing rebirth and renewal.
English folklore	The novel contains references to English folklore, such as the tale of the Green Man, further connecting the story to themes of nature and growth.

6. Foil

Example	Explanation
Mary and Colin	Mary’s initially spoiled and self-centered personality serves as a foil to Colin’s self-pitying and isolated demeanor, showing how both characters have the potential for growth and change.
Martha and Mary	Martha’s cheerful and resourceful nature contrasts with Mary’s initial sullen and unlikable attitude, emphasizing the positive impact of kindness and friendship.
The secret garden and Misselthwaite Manor	The vibrant, life-giving atmosphere of the secret garden serves as a foil to the cold, unwelcoming environment of Misselthwaite Manor, highlighting the novel’s themes of transformation and renewal.

FAQs 💭