Secret Garden PP

Study Guide


for the novel by Frances Hodgson Burnett


A sweeping cholera epidemic leaves her orphaned and alone in a strange country, and nine-year-old Mary Lennox is sent to live with an uncle she has never met. For Mary, this is only the beginning of her journey.



Mary lives in India with parents that are far too busy with friends and parties to spend much time with her. She is young, sickly, and a nuisance. Mary grows up with her Ayah (an Indian nursemaid) waiting on her hand and foot, becoming spoiled and tyrannical.



After the epidemic passes, British officers reach the post where the Lennox family lives to find Mary is the only survivor still there. Mary is sent to England to live with her uncle, Mr. Archibald Craven, a hunchbacked recluse, and her only living relative. An accident ten years earlier took the life of his beautiful wife, leaving him lonely and bitter.



When Mary arrives at Misselthwaite Manor she meets Martha, a kindly, down-to-earth servant, and one of twelve children from a neighboring farm across the moor. Martha befriends Mary in spite Mary's thoughtlessness and tells her about a locked garden. ""Mr. Craven had it shut when his wife died so sudden. He won't let no one go inside.""



From the day Mary hears of the secret garden, she determines to enter it. Mary's encounter with the garden will change her life, and the lives of others, forever.



Progeny Press Study Guide: 66 pages

# of Lessons: 9 Chapter Lessons + Overview

Subjects: Friendship, selfishness, personal growth and change, thinking positive thoughts

Grade Level: 6-8