• The Secret Garden Essay

    Discuss the changes that Mary went through in the novel from the beginning until the end.

    The Secret Garden, written by Frances Hodgson Burnett, is a novel about a young orphaned girl named Mary Lennox who is sent to live at her uncle’s estate in England. When she arrives at Misslethwaite Manor she is frail and sickly looking, and expects to be waited on hand and foot. She doesn’t think she is going to enjoy living at her uncle’s manor. Then she discovers her dead Aunt’s secret garden and begins to change in ways that make her and the garden more beautiful. Throughout the novel, Mary changes physically, socially, and mentally.
    Mary goes through many physical changes throughout the course of the novel. The garden changes her with “magic” while she helps beautify the garden. Her once yellow hair and ill-looking skin look as well as any regular child. Mary’s appetite picks up and she isn’t so skinny any more. She feels stronger than ever before and will continue to grow in many ways as the garden will. Dickon is also a contributing factor in Mary’s good health. He teaches her how to eat and exercise properly.
    Another part of Mary’s change is her social life. When she first arrives, Mary does not like the strange people that she encounters around her at the estate. She gains many nice friends in The Secret Garden. She meets her uncle’s young son Colin, who was pale and ailing but changes as Mary does. Dickon and his family are introduced into Mary’s life as well as Mrs. Medlock, Ben Weatherstaff, and poor old Mr. Craven. In India she didn’t have any friends, only servants. At one time emotionally cold and distant, Mary forges friendships and forms close bonds with those around her.
    Mary drastically changed mentally and emotionally in the novel. Now she appreciates life and other people that do things for her. Happiness is surrounding her after she discovers the garden and new friends. She was a sour and selfish little thing in India and was always attended to whenever she wanted. Sadness almost never surrounds her any more, only pleasurable and happy thoughts.
    Overall, Mary drastically changes physically, socially, and mentally due to the magic of the secret garden. As she tends to the once abandoned garden making it more beautiful, she becomes more beautiful in more ways than one. She looks much healthier, has made many friends, and has become truly happy in her surroundings.

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