Name: Wong Yuk Kin, Winson

Class:  Form 6A

 

A commentary of a story – The Secret Garden

         The name of the book is "The Secret Garden" written by Frances Hodgson Burnett.  The main characters are Mary Lennox and Mr. Craven.  The story is mainly about a girl who would like to find the secret of the garden.

       

    The storyline of the book is wonderful.  Many things went beyond my expectations.  The design of the characters is also a careful consideration.  It is a very touching story.  Yet, the only drawback is that the story is too short.  It would be better to include more details in some parts of the story or even elaborate a little more, perhaps with more explanation. 

 

       Nevertheless, I think the author is full of imagination.  The idea about the secret garden is so unpredictable- a secret garden full of magic.  I am sure lots of children or even teenagers would like this kind of plot because many of them in this age like magic.   At first, I thought that it is just another mysterious story for you to find out the truth.  However, it was definitely more than that.  It includes both happiness and sadness, success and failure.  The secret garden is actually a reflection of Mr. Craven’s love for his dead wife.  Personally, I think Mr. Craven still couldn’t accept the truth that his wife had already passed away.  The secret garden is just like a shadow of his wife.  A place that Mr. Craven can stay in and feel the precious moments he and his wife had before.  He can feel the pulse of his wife when he sees the fresh living flowers.  Can you call that love or stubborness?  The adoption of Mary and her stay in the family really changes Mr. Craven and his son, Colin – a child who has serious illness that cannot be cured.  Mary inspires him a lot and leads him to a bright road.

 

    In terms of my favourite role, there is no doubt that it must be the main character, Mary.  Originally, she is a spoilt little child and does not know how to take care of herself, not to mention caring for others.  But things change completely after the death of her parents.  She learns to be strong and how to live by herself.  At last, she can live with her uncle with joy and harmony.  Also, she is very determined and has her own thinking too.  For example she didn't believe what the housemaid said and finally finds Colin and helps him out of his plight. 

         What inspired me most is Mary’s attitude.  She will never give up and always looks at things from the positive side.  She has never hesitated about the truth of the garden.  She has never thought of the danger, which might be silly in lots of people’s eyes to pursue something she believes is right.  In fact, the process of pursuing is really joyful which of course, will be unforgettable all lifelong.  Also, she seldom considers her own benefits.  The incident of helping the pessimistic boy is another example.  She tries her very best to help him by taking him to the secret garden, and surprisingly, the boy is cured by the magic of the flowers.  His father, Mr Craven, is really glad about the great news.  He really appreciates what Mary has done to his son.  This also improves their relationship within the Craven family.  Indeed, Mary is really determined and resolved to combat all the obstacles in front of her. 

 

         Despite the fact that it is all out of naivety, Mary’s attitude of helping people and the spirit of sacrificing for others is highly appreciated and definitely worthy for us to learn.  All in all, it is a great story and is absolutely a great choice for people of all ages.