The Secret Garden

1204 Words5 Pages
“The Secret Garden”, written by Frances Hodgson Burnett is an intriguing novel with many underlying themes and symbols present. The extraordinary balance of these symbols and themes makes “The Secret Garden” an exquisite children’s book. Throughout the novel many symbols are represented, namely; nature, animals, health, the key to the garden, roses in the garden and the symbol of family. Surprisingly all these symbols tie in with one another and tie in with the themes of the novel, which include; the power of nature, people’s responsibility to nurture, restoration is always possible and the necessity of human companionship. Nature in this novel is one of the main symbols represented, due to the fact that the novel is mainly linked to a secret garden which is nature. Nature symbolises growth and change. Mary’s growth throughout the book is dramatic, from a lonely, selfish, foul-tempered, unsightly little girl who had everyone do everything for her to a pretty little girl who loves the outdoors and who has friends towards the end of the novel. Mary was not wanted by anyone and certainly not her parents, “So when she was a sickly, fretful, ugly little baby she was kept out of the way and when she was a sickly, fretful, toddling thing she was kept out of the way also.” (Burnett 1). Nature helped change Mary’s physical and mental attitude towards life and the others around her. Mary and Colin’s healing process follows the seasons; Mary arrives towards the end of winter which complements her attitude and mood towards everyone when she arrives at Misselthwaite Manor. During the summer Colin heals from a hunchback to a healthy boy and finally meets his father (Zirker 114). Through nature the characters change, which brings us to the theme of the power of nature. The theme, power of nature, is represented by the symbol, nature. The power of nature heals both Colin and Mary
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