The Robin Who Showed the Way explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Healing Power of Nature

  The fresh moor air and outdoor activity begin to stir Mary's mind and reduce her contrariness.

• Secrecy and Discovery

  Mary's determination to find the secret garden and her discovery of the hidden door highlight the theme of secrecy and discovery.

• Transformation and Growth

  Mary's growing curiosity and imagination, along with her physical activity, signal her transformation from a listless child to an engaged one.

Characters to notice

• Mary Lennox

  Discovers the key and later the hidden door to the secret garden, feeling excitement and wonder as she enters.

• Martha Sowerby

  Returns from her day off, shares stories of her family, and gives Mary a skipping rope from her mother.

• Dickon Sowerby

  Mentioned by Martha as being delighted by stories of Mary, and as saying their cottage was good enough for a king.

• Mrs. Sowerby

  Martha's mother who buys the skipping rope for Mary and expresses concern about Mary being alone.

Key passages

• “She put the key in her pocket and walked up and down her walk. No one but herself ever seemed to come there, so she could walk slowly and look at the wall, or, rather, at the ivy growing on it.”

  Mary pocketed the key and strolled along the path, examining the ivy-covered wall in solitude.

  Shows Mary's secretive exploration and growing independence.

• “She put the key in and turned it. It took two hands to do it, but it did turn. And then she took a long breath and looked behind her up the long walk to see if anyone was coming.”

  Using both hands, Mary turned the key in the lock, then paused to check that no one was watching.

  Highlights the suspense and secrecy of entering the garden.