Desktop
Mobile
PDF SDK
Other Tools
Features 
Enterprise
Partership
Industries
Hot Tips
User Guide
Company
In Frances Hodgson Burnett's "The Secret Garden," I am continually enchanted by the narrative's gentle power to evoke themes of healing, growth, and transformation.
This cherished novel beautifully illustrates how a neglected garden becomes a sanctuary not only for plants but for the souls of those who nurture it, providing profound insights into the restorative connection between humans and nature.
"Where you tend a rose, my lad, a thistle cannot grow." — Ben Weatherstaff
Ben Weatherstaff's wisdom encapsulates the central theme of the novel: the nurturing of beauty and goodness can displace neglect and bitterness.
This quote has always resonated with me as it reflects the possibility of transformation and growth both in the garden and within ourselves.
"Might I have a bit of earth?" — Mary Lennox
When Mary asks for her own piece of the garden, it marks the beginning of her transformation from a spoiled, unloved child to a nurturing, compassionate person.
This quote is a poignant reminder of how small beginnings can lead to significant changes.
"The spell was broken." — Colin Craven
This simple statement from Colin after he stands up for the first time in many years powerfully symbolizes the theme of personal liberation and healing.
It's a turning point in the story that dramatically illustrates the impact of belief in oneself.
"Everything is made out of magic, leaves and trees, flowers and birds, badgers and foxes and squirrels and people. So it must be all around us. In this garden—in all the places." — Dickon
Dickon’s words to Mary and Colin about the omnipresence of magic in nature reflect a deeper understanding of the world as a living, breathing entity filled with wonder.
This quote always inspires me to look more closely at the natural world and find joy in its simple miracles.
"She made herself stronger by fighting with the wind." — Narrator about Mary
As Mary explores the moor and battles against the harsh wind, she grows physically and emotionally stronger. This metaphor for resilience through adversity speaks to the character’s development and the novel’s broader theme of overcoming personal obstacles.
"I am going to live forever and ever and ever!" — Colin Craven
Colin’s jubilant cry after his health improves is not just a child’s boast but a declaration of newfound vitality and hope. This quote beautifully captures the joy and exuberance of a life reclaimed.
"I've stolen a garden. It isn't mine. It isn't anybody's. Nobody wants it, nobody cares for it, nobody ever goes into it. Perhaps everything is dead in it already. I don't know." — Mary Lennox
This early quote from Mary reflects her initial feelings of loneliness and neglect but also her curiosity and hope about the secret garden.
It sets the stage for the transformative power of care and attention she brings to both the garden and her relationships.
"When you keep saying things are going to be bad, you have a good chance of being a prophet." — Colin Craven
Colin’s insight on the power of negative thinking to influence outcomes is a profound lesson on the importance of maintaining a positive outlook. This line underscores the novel's recurring theme of thoughts shaping reality.
"Two worst things as can happen to a child is never to have his own way - or always to have it." — Mrs. Medlock
Mrs. Medlock's observation offers a nugget of wisdom on the necessity of balance in raising children. It reflects the novel’s subtle critique of parenting styles and their impact on child development.
"One of the new things people began to find out in the last century was that thoughts—just mere thoughts—are as powerful as electric batteries—as good for one as sunlight is, or as bad for one as poison." — Colin Craven
This reflection by Colin on the power of thoughts aligns with the book's motif of personal and emotional growth being akin to the cultivation of a garden. It is a reminder of the potency of our mindset in shaping our lives.
Download The Secret Garden for Free
Image source: Wikipedia
Read “The Secret Garden” on PDF
Download PDF Reader Pro to quickly and easily enable “Read Mode” for a pleasant reading experience on your desktop, tablet or phone.
Free Download
Free Download
If you liked this collection of quotes, you will also like our list of classic romance novels, available to read about, download and to import to PDF Reader Pro, right here on our blog.
