"The secret garden" - Frances Hodgson Burnett by Olivia Le Bourgeois

Mary Lennox

olebourgeois — 2025-09-23 13:24:04 UTC

Mary Lennox is the main character of The Secret Garden. She is a ten-year-old girl who grew up in India, ignored by her parents and raised by servants. Because she was spoiled and never shown real love, she became rude, selfish, and bad-tempered. When her parents died of cholera, she was sent to live with her uncle, Mr. Craven, in England at Misselthwaite Manor. At first, Mary was unfriendly and lonely, but the fresh air of the countryside and the people around her began to change her. With the help of her maid Martha, she learned to do things on her own, like dressing herself, and she began to explore the gardens. She found the key to the secret garden and started to bring it back to life. Through gardening, Mary also learned how to make friends with people like Dickon, Colin, and Ben Weatherstaff. The garden helped her grow into a kind, curious, and happy girl, completely different from the spoiled child she once was.

Colin Craven

olebourgeois — 2025-09-23 13:30:42 UTC

Colin Craven is Mary’s cousin and the young master of Misselthwaite Manor. He is also ten years old. His mother died when he was born, and his father never wanted to spend time with him because he believed Colin was weak and deformed. Because of this, Colin grew up isolated, spoiled, and certain that he was going to die young. He spends most of his time alone in his room, angry and afraid, throwing tantrums whenever things don’t go his way. When Mary discovers him, she refuses to accept his behavior and tells him that there is nothing wrong with him. With Mary and Dickon’s encouragement, Colin begins to go outside into the secret garden. There, he starts to walk, exercise, and enjoy life. He believes in what he calls “magic,” the natural energy of life that helps him become stronger and healthier. In the end, Colin changes from a sad, weak boy into a happy, hopeful child who wants to live and make his father proud.

Dickon Sowerby

olebourgeois — 2025-09-23 13:36:43 UTC

Dickon Sowerby is Martha’s twelve-year-old brother and one of the most important friends that Mary and Colin make. He spends most of his time outside on the countryside, surrounded by animals and plants. Dickon has a special connection with nature and can tame wild animals like foxes, squirrels, and birds, which always follow him around. When Mary meets him, she is amazed by how kind, cheerful, and gentle he is. He helps Mary learn how to garden and teaches both Mary and Colin how to take care of the plants in the secret garden. Dickon also supports Colin when he begins to walk again, always encouraging him with patience and kindness. With his positive attitude and knowledge, Dickon becomes the guide that helps both Mary and Colin transform into better and happier people.