Who Mary Lennox is
Mary Lennox arrives at Misselthwaite Manor as a child used to giving orders and having every wish obeyed. Her parents have given her little attention, and she has never learned to play with other children. Her sourness grows from neglect and loneliness rather than a wish to do harm.
What Mary Lennox wants
The locked garden awakens Mary's curiosity, giving her an interest beyond her own unhappiness. When a robin begins to follow her, she discovers how much she wants a living creature to like her. Once inside the garden, she wants to keep it secret and help its plants grow.
How Mary Lennox changes
Fresh air, movement and useful work begin to change Mary's health and temper. She clears weeds from small green shoots, then learns from Dickon how to tend the garden. As she finds something to look after, she grows stronger, becomes kinder and learns to laugh.
Mary Lennox and the others in the story
Martha Sowerby speaks honestly to Mary and encourages her to do things for herself. Martha's brother Dickon becomes a trusted friend who shares her work and keeps her secret. With her cousin Colin Craven, Mary recognizes the spoiled, lonely behavior she once accepted in herself.
Questions
Who is Mary Lennox?
Mary is the young heroine who discovers the hidden garden at her uncle's Yorkshire home.
Is Mary Lennox a bad child?
Mary is neglected rather than wicked. She begins as rude and demanding, but friendship and care help her change.
How are Mary Lennox and Colin Craven related?
Mary and Colin are cousins. Colin's father, Archibald Craven, is Mary's uncle.