The Curtain explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Healing Power of Nature

  The garden's continuous bloom and the robin's nest symbolize renewal and the nurturing aspect of nature, aiding Colin's recovery.

• Transformation and Growth

  Colin's physical improvement and emotional shift toward accepting his mother's memory highlight his personal growth.

• Grief and Healing

  Colin's decision to keep the curtain drawn back shows his evolving relationship with his mother's death and his own healing.

Characters to notice

• Mary Lennox

  Explores the house with Colin, observes the robin's nest, and notices the change in the curtain.

• Colin Craven

  Grows stronger, walks and runs in the gallery, decides to keep his mother's portrait visible, and speaks of the Magic.

• Dickon Sowerby

  Understood by the robin as a kindred spirit; his presence in the garden is calm and reassuring.

• Ben Weatherstaff

  Mentioned indirectly through the robin's perspective, but not directly present in this chapter.

Key passages

• “And the secret garden bloomed and bloomed and every morning revealed new miracles.”

  The secret garden flourished continuously, with each dawn bringing fresh wonders.

  Highlights the ongoing vitality and magic of the garden.

• “I am going to run from one end of the gallery to the other, and then I am going to jump and then we will do Bob Haworth's exercises.”

  Colin declares his intention to run and jump in the gallery, then perform the exercises Bob Haworth taught them.

  Demonstrates Colin's increasing physical strength and confidence.

• “Because it doesn't make me angry any more to see her laughing.”

  Colin explains that he no longer feels anger when looking at his mother's laughing portrait.

  Shows Colin's emotional healing and acceptance of his mother's memory.