# VI: “There Was Some One Crying—There Was!” explained — The Secret Garden

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

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_secret_garden_se/chapters/vi-there-was-some-one-crying-there-was
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_secret_garden_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_secret_garden_se/chapters