Instructions
Read each section carefully and answer the questions to the best of your ability. Think about the characters, the setting, and the major themes in the novel The Secret Garden.
Part 1: Character Matching
Draw a line to match the character on the left with the correct description on the right.
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1. Mary Lennox 2. Dickon Sowerby 3. Colin Craven 4. Ben Weatherstaff 5. Martha Sowerby 6. Mrs. Medlock |
A. The strict housekeeper of Misselthwaite Manor. B. An invalid boy, hidden away, who believes he is a hunchback. C. A kind-hearted housemaid who tells Mary about the secret garden. D. A sour, contrary orphan sent to England from India. E. A grumpy, elderly gardener who secretly cares for the roses. F. A boy who loves nature and can seemingly talk to animals. |
Part 2: Vocabulary
Define the following words from the book. Then, write your own sentence using each word.
1. Sallow
Definition: _________________________________________________________________
Sentence: _________________________________________________________________
2. Imperious
Definition: _________________________________________________________________
Sentence: _________________________________________________________________
3. Moor
Definition: _________________________________________________________________
Sentence: _________________________________________________________________
Part 3: Reading Comprehension
Answer the following questions in complete sentences. Provide details from the story to support your answers.
1. Why was the secret garden locked up and the key buried for ten years?
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2. Describe two ways that Mary Lennox changes after she arrives at Misselthwaite Manor.
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3. What role does Dickon play in bringing the secret garden, Mary, and Colin back to life?
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4. How is the health of the garden connected to the health of the children?
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Answer Key
Part 1: Character Matching
1. Mary Lennox → D. A sour, contrary orphan sent to England from India.
2. Dickon Sowerby → F. A boy who loves nature and can seemingly talk to animals.
3. Colin Craven → B. An invalid boy, hidden away, who believes he is a hunchback.
4. Ben Weatherstaff → E. A grumpy, elderly gardener who secretly cares for the roses.
5. Martha Sowerby → C. A kind-hearted housemaid who tells Mary about the secret garden.
6. Mrs. Medlock → A. The strict housekeeper of Misselthwaite Manor.
Part 2: Vocabulary
(Note: Student sentences will vary but should correctly use the word's meaning.)
1. Sallow
Definition: (Of a person's face or complexion) of an unhealthy yellow or pale brown color.
Sentence: After being sick for a week, her skin looked pale and sallow.
2. Imperious
Definition: Assuming power or authority without justification; arrogant and domineering.
Sentence: The imperious manager ordered his employees around without ever saying "please."
3. Moor
Definition: A large, open area of uncultivated upland, typically covered with heather.
Sentence: They went for a long walk across the windy, purple moor.
Part 3: Reading Comprehension
(Note: Student answers may vary in wording but should include the key ideas below.)
1. Why was the secret garden locked up and the key buried for ten years?
The garden was locked because it was the favorite place of Mr. Archibald Craven's wife, Lilias. She had an accident there where she fell from a rose-covered branch and died a short time later. Overcome with grief, Mr. Craven ordered the garden to be locked and the key buried so no one could ever enter it again.
2. Describe two ways that Mary Lennox changes after she arrives at Misselthwaite Manor.
First, Mary changes physically. When she arrives, she is thin, sallow, and unhealthy. By playing outside on the moor and working in the garden, she becomes stronger, healthier, and her complexion gains color. Second, her personality changes. She arrives as a spoiled, selfish, and sour child but learns to care for other living things (the garden) and other people (Dickon and Colin), becoming a kinder and happier person.
3. What role does Dickon play in bringing the secret garden, Mary, and Colin back to life?
Dickon is the expert on nature. He teaches Mary how to tell which plants are alive and how to care for them, bringing his knowledge and tools to help revive the garden. His gentle, kind, and cheerful nature also helps Mary and Colin learn about friendship and find joy. He is the bridge between the children and the natural world.
4. How is the health of the garden connected to the health of the children?
The health of the garden is a metaphor for the emotional and physical health of the children. At the beginning, the garden is neglected, dormant, and locked away, just as Mary is unloved and lonely, and Colin is sick and hidden. As the children begin to care for the garden and bring it back to life, they too become physically stronger, happier, and emotionally healed. The garden's revival mirrors their own.