Quotes

The most important themes in ‘The Secret Garden‘ book that include friendship, loneliness, and the power of thoughts have some quotes from the book supporting them.

Friendship

Mary had never possessed an animal pet of her own and had always thought she should like one. So she began to feel a slight interest in Dickon, and as she had never before been interested in anyone but herself, it was the dawning of a healthy sentiment.

Mary, who feels quite contrary when she arrives at the manor, grows so much that her hateful feelings towards people are replaced with affection. She starts to be attracted to and really cares about the other kids she relates to. 

She walked away, slowly thinking. She had begun to like the garden just as she had begun to like the robin and Dickon and Martha’s mother. She was beginning to like Martha, too. That seemed a good many people to like—when you were not used to liking.

Again, she’s a bit amused at how much change she is feeling in her heart. She is no longer selfish, and it’s a new experience for her. She, in fact, thinks she’s having feelings for too many people.

And they both began to laugh over nothings as children will when they are happy together.

This had been taken from a part of ‘The Secret Garden’ book, and it referred to Mary and Colin. They talked and laughed so much during one of their conversations.

When I was going to try to stand that first time Mary kept saying to herself as fast as she could, ‘You can do it! You can do it!’ and I did. I had to try myself at the same time, of course, but her Magic helped me.

Positive Thoughts

Where you tend to a rose my lad, a thistle cannot grow.

This quote from the book points to the fact that thoughts are like seeds.  If you always think positively, you’ll talk and act positively. Encourage good things, and there will be no room left for bad things. 

Of course there must be lots of Magic in the world,” he said wisely one day, “but people don’t know what it is like or how to make it. Perhaps the beginning is just to say nice things are going to happen until you make them happen. I am going to try and experiment.

Colin’s words here refer to the idea of positive thinking. In his opinion, optimism works like magic.

Much more surprising things can happen to any one who, when a disagreeable or discouraged thought comes into his mind, just has the sense to remember in time and push it out by putting in an agreeable determinedly courageous one. Two things cannot be in one place.

In truth, sometimes, one unconsciously thinks negative thoughts. The idea is to not dwell on them. You are to replace those thoughts with better ones.

“I shall get well! I shall get well!” he cried out. “Mary! Dickon! I shall get well! And I shall live forever and ever and ever!” 

Upon discovering his ill- health was based more on his psychological disposition rather than irrevocable physical defects, Colin Craven becomes keener on positive affirmations. He talks about his dreams and his belief in science and magic.  He stops thinking about death and starts to share his interest in the future. He talks about meeting his dad while standing on both feet and talks about solving world problems. 

He had made himself believe that he was going to get well, which was really more than half the battle, if he had been aware of it

‘The Secret Garden‘ ends on a good note as all the positive thinking did the children a lot of good. Mary becomes a lot mentally better. Her countenance too. Colin starts to walk and make plans for the future.

Loneliness

She frowned because she remembered that her father and mother had never talked to her about anything in particular. Certainly they had never told her things

Mary had had only her maid tending to her needs when she lived in India. She had no bond with her biological parents and this is one factor that made her sour and stubborn.

She stopped and listened to him and somehow his cheerful, friendly little whistle gave her a pleased feeling—even a disagreeable little girl may be lonely, and the big closed house and big bare moor and big bare gardens had made this one feel as if there was no one left in the world but herself.

When Mary moved to the moor, she still had to stay by herself. The house was huge, doors were mostly locked and everyone minded their business.

The house is lonely, and the park is lonely, and the gardens are lonely. So many places seem shut up

This was Mary’s accurate description of her new home at her uncle’s. She was usually alone until she established friendships with Martha, Dickon, and Colin.

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