Keyword Guide · chapter-summary
This guide gives a clear, chapter-by-chapter summary of The Secret Garden for quick study and review. It’s designed to help with quizzes, class discussions, and essay planning without using direct quotes.
Mary Lennox, a spoiled and lonely girl, loses her parents in India and is sent to live with her uncle, Archibald Craven, in England. At Misselthwaite Manor, she feels isolated but begins exploring the grounds. She meets Martha, a friendly housemaid, and hears about a mysterious locked garden. Mary’s curiosity grows as she starts spending time outdoors, which improves her health and mood.
Mary explores the gardens and befriends a robin that leads her to the hidden key and door of the secret garden. She begins working there in secret, clearing weeds and noticing signs of life. She meets Dickon, Martha’s brother, who has a special connection with animals and nature. Together, they plan to restore the garden.
Mary hears crying at night and discovers Colin Craven, her sickly cousin who believes he will not live long. She challenges his self-pity and encourages him to go outside. Mary, Dickon, and Colin secretly visit the garden, where Colin begins to gain strength and confidence. The garden becomes a place of physical and emotional healing.
Colin continues to improve, learning to walk and exercise in the garden. Ben Weatherstaff, the gardener, eventually learns the secret but supports the children. Archibald Craven returns to the manor and is shocked to see Colin healthy and happy. The novel ends with the family reunited and the garden fully restored, symbolizing renewal and hope.
The Secret Garden has 27 chapters, following Mary’s growth and the restoration of the garden.
Major themes include personal growth, the healing power of nature, and the importance of friendship and care.
Use it to review plot order, track character development, and prepare examples for essays or class discussions.
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