# Across the Moor explained — The Secret Garden

> Chapter companion for The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett.

## What happens

Mary Lennox travels by train and carriage across the Yorkshire moors to Misselthwaite Manor. She experiences the bleak, wild landscape and arrives at the vast, gloomy house where she is told she must stay in her rooms and not disturb her uncle, Mr. Archibald Craven.

## Themes in this chapter

### Childhood and Independence

Mary's solitary journey and arrival at the manor emphasize her independence and the beginning of her new life away from India.

### Class and Social Hierarchy

Mary's expectation of being waited on and the strict instructions from Mr. Pitcher reflect the social order within the household.

## Character check-ins

### Mary Lennox

Mary travels across the moor, feeling small and lost as she arrives at Misselthwaite Manor and is instructed to keep to her rooms.

### Mrs. Medlock

Mrs. Medlock accompanies Mary on the journey, explaining the moor and delivering her to the manor with strict orders from Mr. Pitcher.

### Archibald Craven

Mr. Craven is mentioned as not wanting to see Mary and leaving for London in the morning.

### Pitcher

Mr. Pitcher greets Mary at the manor and instructs Mrs. Medlock to ensure Mr. Craven is not disturbed.

## Key lines

> Eh! We're on the moor now sure enough

Mrs. Medlock announces that they have entered the moor.

_This marks the transition to the wild landscape surrounding Misselthwaite Manor._

> I don't like it

Mary expresses her dislike for the moor.

_Mary's initial reaction to the bleak environment foreshadows her later transformation._

> You are to take her to her room. He doesn't want to see her. He's going to London in the morning.

Mr. Pitcher instructs Mrs. Medlock to take Mary to her room because Mr. Craven does not wish to see her.

_This establishes Mr. Craven's reclusive nature and Mary's isolation._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_secret_garden_se/chapters/iii-across-the-moor
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_secret_garden_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_secret_garden_se/chapters