Inferential Level Questions
1. Why do you think Mary had an indifferent attitude towards the death of her parents?
- Because they were never with her since they despised her and so she grew up with Indian servants.
2. How can you relate the improvement in Mary's health with her trips to the moor?
- I would say that it is because she had never done things as simple as going out into the fields, getting some fresh air and exercising a little, that in the long run helped her to have a better state of health.
3. What do you think is the reason for his desperate way of looking for the garden?
- Since it had been closed for so many years, it intrigued her and she liked the idea of spending time alone in such a place as that garden.
4. Why do you think that the first time Mary and Colin met, they weren't sure if the other was real?
- I think it was because neither of them thought they would find a child in that place and also with a not very pleasant appearance that reminded them more of a ghost than a living being.
5. Why do you think was Colin so excited about the garden and what caused his interest in Mary?
- I think it is due to his great need to discover new things as a result of his lack of contact with the outside world. That is why he is so interested in Mary, she is the first friend he could have had.
6. Why do you think that Mary believes that the moor can make Colin better?
- The most likely thing is that it is because she herself improved thanks to him and she was hoping that he could help him too.
7. If Colin didn't want to be born, why do you think he didn't want to die?
- I think he has these thoughts because his father never took care of him as he deserved; therefore, he wished he would have preferred not to have been born, but he does not want to die since he wants to be able to live more things and discover new experiences.
8. Predict what would have happened if Martha hadn't fallen asleep the day Mary and Colin met?
- Colin would probably have died before his adulthood, unable to say he had a friend and lying in his bed sad and alone.
9. What do you assume was Colin's possessive attitude towards Mary due to?
- Being his first friend, he probably didn't want Dickson to take it away from him in any way and besides, he was used to everyone obeying his orders and Mary not obeying him only provoked him more.
10. What would have happened if Mary's influence hadn't changed Colin's personality?
- Surely he would have lost his friendship with Mary, which would mean that he would never visit the secret garden.
11. What do you think the children meant by the white magic of the secret garden?
- They would refer to the "miracles" that their time in the secret garden caused; therefore, they attribute it to a type of magic that can do everything if it is handled well.
By: Ana Grau & Juan Ramírez, Step 9
