The Secret Garden · Chapter
VI: “There Was Some One Crying—There Was!” explained
On a rainy day, Mary decides to explore the vast, empty house.
What happens
On a rainy day, Mary decides to explore the vast, empty house. She wanders through corridors and rooms, discovering portraits and curiosities, including a room with ivory elephants. She hears crying again and becomes determined to find its source. Martha tells stories about her family and Dickon, sparking Mary's interest in the moorland cottage and its inhabitants.
Themes in this chapter
Secrecy and Discovery
Mary's exploration of the locked rooms and her determination to find the source of the crying highlight the theme of uncovering hidden secrets.
Childhood and Independence
Mary begins to learn self-reliance, dressing herself and exploring the house without permission, contrasting with her earlier dependence on servants.
Characters to notice
- Mary Lennox
Explores the house, hears crying, and becomes curious about the moorland cottage.
- Martha Sowerby
Tells Mary about her family and Dickon, and suggests Mary read books from the library.
- Dickon Sowerby
Mentioned by Martha as someone who enjoys rainy days and rescues animals.
- Mrs. Medlock
Mentioned as the housekeeper who rarely troubles Mary.
Key passages
“There was someone crying—there was —there was !”
Mary insists she heard crying, affirming her determination to discover its origin.
Mary's resolve to solve the mystery of the crying is strengthened.
“He says he sees things on rainy days as doesn't show when it's fair weather.”
Dickon claims that rainy days reveal things not visible in fair weather.
Martha describes Dickon's unique perspective on nature.