The Secret Garden · Chapter
Nest Building explained
Mary and Colin grow closer as she spends hours with him in his room, sharing stories and books.
What happens
Mary and Colin grow closer as she spends hours with him in his room, sharing stories and books. Mary cautiously considers whether she can trust Colin with the secret of the garden and whether she might be able to bring him there. She discusses the idea with Dickon, who agrees that fresh air and the garden could help Colin. They plan to eventually bring Colin out to the secret garden, comparing their efforts to the robin building its nest.
Free preview opens on this chapter — companions, themes, and character notes appear beside the text.
Narrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Rising action.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
This excerpt marks the dramatic climax because Mary consciously chooses her own burgeoning joy and independenc…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes in this chapter
- Healing Power of Nature
Mary and Dickon believe that fresh air and the secret garden could help Colin recover, contrasting his current confinement indoors.
- Friendship and Connection
Mary's growing friendship with Colin and her partnership with Dickon highlight the importance of trust and companionship.
- Secrecy and Discovery
Mary and Dickon plan to keep the garden a secret while deciding whether to trust Colin with it, comparing their secret to the robin's nest.
Characters to notice
- Mary Lennox
Mary spends time with Colin, considers trusting him with the secret garden, and discusses plans to bring him outside with Dickon.
- Colin Craven
Colin enjoys Mary's company, shares his fear of being stared at and his hatred of being pitied, and shows interest in the secret garden.
- Dickon Sowerby
Dickon talks with Mary about Colin, suggests bringing him to the garden, and compares their secret plan to the robin building its nest.
- Mrs. Medlock
Mrs. Medlock remarks on the positive change in Colin since Mary arrived, noting fewer tantrums.
- Martha Sowerby
Martha comments on Mary's improved appearance and health.
Key passages
“You are a sly young one to listen and get out of your bed to go following things up like you did that night”
Mrs. Medlock calls Mary clever for sneaking out of bed to investigate the crying she heard.
Mrs. Medlock acknowledges Mary's discovery of Colin.
“Th' air from th' moor has done thee good already”
Martha tells Mary that the moor air has improved her appearance.
Martha notices Mary's physical improvement from being outdoors.
“Us is nest-buildin' too, bless thee. Look out tha' doesn't tell on us.”
Dickon tells the robin that they are also building something secret, like a nest, and asks it not to reveal their plan.
Dickon compares their secret plan to bring Colin to the garden to the robin building its nest.
