The Secret Garden begins in India, where Mary Lennox, a spoiled and neglected ten-year-old English girl, lives with her wealthy but indifferent parents. Mary is a disagreeable child, accustomed to being waited on by servants and left to her own devices. When a cholera epidemic sweeps through her household, both her parents die, and Mary is sent to live with her reclusive uncle, Archibald Craven, at Misselthwaite Manor in Yorkshire, England.
Misselthwaite Manor is a vast, gloomy, and imposing house that reflects its owner's melancholy and isolation. Mary feels even more neglected and lonely in this strange and unfamiliar environment. She is left to wander the expansive grounds, finding little to occupy her time. The house is filled with whispers and secrets, and Mary is intrigued by the rumors of a hidden garden that has been locked away for ten years, ever since the death of Mr. Craven's beloved wife, Lilias.
One day, while exploring the grounds, Mary meets Martha Sowerby, a cheerful and kind-hearted housemaid. Martha's lively stories about her large, loving family and the Yorkshire moors begin to awaken Mary's curiosity and a longing for connection. Mary also encounters Ben Weatherstaff, a gruff but kind old gardener, and a friendly robin redbreast.
Following the robin, Mary discovers a hidden key and, eventually, the concealed door to the secret garden. Although the garden is overgrown and neglected, Mary feels an immediate connection to it. She begins to spend her days secretly tending to it, nurturing the dormant plants and restoring its former beauty.
During her explorations, Mary also discovers Colin Craven, her cousin, who is confined to his room and believed to be terminally ill. Colin is as spoiled and disagreeable as Mary was at the beginning of the story, but he is also deeply lonely and fearful. Mary's presence challenges Colin's self-pity and hypochondria. She tells him about the secret garden, and he becomes intrigued.
Mary, Martha's brother Dickon (a nature-loving boy with a magical connection to animals), and Colin secretly begin to visit the garden together. Dickon's knowledge of plants and animals proves invaluable in restoring the garden to its former glory. As they work together, the children undergo a remarkable transformation. Mary becomes less selfish and more compassionate, Colin begins to regain his health and vitality, and they both discover the joy of friendship and the healing power of nature.
Colin, who has been told his whole life that he is weak and sickly, begins to believe that he can walk. He and Mary engage in exercises and positive affirmations, gradually building his strength and confidence. They keep his progress a secret, fearing that the adults around them will undermine their efforts.
As the garden flourishes, so do the children. Colin's health improves dramatically, and he begins to enjoy life outside his room. They decide to reveal Colin's recovery to his father, Archibald Craven, who has been traveling abroad, consumed by grief and guilt.
Mr. Craven receives a letter from his brother, which is then followed by a strong feeling to return home. He is drawn back to Misselthwaite Manor by an inexplicable sense of urgency. When he arrives, he is astonished to find Colin running and playing in the secret garden. The sight of his healthy son, surrounded by the beauty of the restored garden, fills him with joy and relief.
The garden becomes a symbol of healing and renewal for the entire Craven family. Mr. Craven's grief is lifted, and he is able to reconnect with his son and his memories of his late wife. Mary, once a neglected and unloved child, finds a sense of belonging and purpose. Colin, once a sickly and fearful boy, discovers his strength and vitality.
The story concludes with the celebration of the garden's restoration and the family's newfound happiness. The secret garden, once a symbol of loss and sorrow, becomes a place of joy, healing, and transformation.
Commentary
The Secret Garden is a heartwarming and enduring classic that celebrates the restorative power of nature and the transformative potential of human connection. Frances Hodgson Burnett's story follows Mary Lennox's journey from a neglected and disagreeable child to a compassionate and joyful young girl, mirroring the revival of the neglected garden she discovers. The narrative emphasizes the importance of friendship, positive thinking, and the healing influence of the natural world. It's a testament to the idea that even the most desolate places and the most troubled hearts can blossom with care, kindness, and a touch of magic. The garden itself becomes a metaphor for the human heart, capable of both decay and renewal.