Who Martha Sowerby is
Martha Sowerby works as a young housemaid at Misselthwaite Manor, where Mary Lennox comes to live. She is cheerful, speaks in broad Yorkshire speech, and comes from a poor family in the village.
Martha does not treat Mary like a young lady whose every wish must be obeyed. When she discovers that Mary expects someone else to dress her, she says Mary must learn to manage herself.
Martha Sowerby and the others in the story
Martha's mother, Susan Sowerby, raises many children with little money, but gives them warmth and care. Her brother Dickon knows the moor and its wild creatures, and Martha tells Mary about his life outdoors.
Mary has never heard anyone talk about a family with such warmth, and she listens with unfamiliar interest. Through Martha's stories, she begins to discover a kind of home very different from her own upbringing.
How Martha Sowerby changes
Martha helps set Mary's change in motion through honest talk and encouragement to go outside. She gives Mary a skipping rope, and Mary begins to enjoy movement in the cold air.
These ordinary acts matter because Mary has never learned how to play or care for herself. Martha offers friendship without obeying every demand, giving Mary both company and a reason to become more independent.
Kérdések
Who is Martha Sowerby?
Martha Sowerby is a cheerful housemaid at Misselthwaite Manor who befriends Mary Lennox.
How does Martha help Mary?
She encourages Mary to dress herself, play outdoors, and become more independent. Her plain speaking gives Mary an honest friend rather than someone who simply obeys her.
Is Martha Sowerby related to Dickon?
Yes, Martha is Dickon's sister. She tells Mary about his friendship with wild creatures before Mary meets him.
