The Role of Nature and Human Emotion in The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett (1911)

Expanding the Roles:
The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett tells the story of Mary Lennox, a spoiled and lonely young girl who transforms through her connection with a secret garden. As she nurtures the garden, she also begins to heal emotionally, building relationships with the people around her. The novel explores themes of healing, growth, and the power of nature in the emotional development of individuals. For literature students, The Secret Garden offers a rich exploration of the therapeutic effects of nature and the importance of emotional and personal growth.

• Nature as a Source of Healing:
  The garden symbolizes renewal and transformation, not only for the physical space but also for the characters who tend to it. Students can explore how the connection between nature and human emotion is central to the theme of healing in the novel.

• Emotional Growth and Personal Change:
  Mary’s journey from selfishness and isolation to kindness and community mirrors the growth of the garden. Literature students can analyze how the novel illustrates the importance of emotional growth and the role of relationships in personal transformation.

What We Learn:
The Secret Garden teaches literature students about the healing power of nature and the importance of emotional growth. The novel provides a moving exploration of how personal transformation is connected to one’s environment and relationships with others.