Who Dickon Sowerby is
Dickon Sowerby is a cheerful boy who feels at home among the living things of the Yorkshire moor. He plays a rough pipe, drawing birds, rabbits and a fox cub named Captain toward him. A crow named Soot rides on his shoulder, showing how easily wild creatures keep him company.
Dickon Sowerby and the others in the story
Dickon's sister Martha first tells Mary about him and his friendship with the animals on the moor. When Mary meets him, she likes him at once, surprised by her own warm response. She trusts him with the garden's secret, and he keeps it as naturally as he cares for his animals.
How Dickon Sowerby changes
Dickon brings Mary the tools and seeds she asks for, along with knowledge she does not yet have. He shows her that gray rose branches may still be alive and explains how to recognize living wood. Together they prune, dig, weed and plant, spending whole afternoons caring for the garden.
His friendship gives Mary company without demands, while their shared work gives her something to look after. As she tends the plants beside him, she grows stronger, becomes kinder and begins to laugh.
Questions
Who is Dickon Sowerby?
Dickon is a twelve year old moor boy who understands plants and animals and helps Mary tend the secret garden.
How is Dickon related to Martha?
Dickon is Martha Sowerby's brother, and Susan Sowerby is their mother.
What animals does Dickon have with him?
Dickon has a fox cub called Captain and a crow called Soot with him. Birds and rabbits also gather around him when he plays his pipe.