Thinking and Writing in a Deeper Way

Using textual support to explain your arguments “Sometimes [my father comes and sees me.] Generally when I am asleep. He doesn’t want to see me.” Page 126 This quote shows that Colin’s father only sees him when he’s asleep. This means that he is neglecting Colin. Colin doesn’t feel any love from his father. Well, duh! What else can you say? Brainstorm in your notes. Then, rewrite your analysis.

“Sometimes [my father comes and sees me.] Generally when I am asleep. He doesn’t want to see me.” Page 126 Colin is explaining that his father only comes to see him at night when Colin is asleep. This implies that Colin’s father does not want to interact with him. When Colin’s mother died, his father was so grief- stricken, that it was hard for him to see Colin. He was constantly reminded of the wife he lost. As a result, Colin is neglected by his father and obviously feels unloved. Colin is essentially raised by his servants, who give him everything he wants, making him very spoiled.

This quote shows that Colin’s father only sees him when he’s asleep. This means that he is neglecting Colin. Colin doesn’t feel any love from his father. Colin is explaining that his father only comes to see him at night when Colin is asleep. This implies that Colin’s father does not want to interact with him. When Colin’s mother died, his father was so grief-stricken, that it was hard for him to see Colin. He was constantly reminded of the wife he lost. As a result, Colin is neglected by his father and obviously feels unloved. Colin is essentially raised by his servants, who give him everything he wants, making him very spoiled. With a partner, discuss the differences. What is different in the analysis? What is different in the phrasing and word choice?

Reflect How does what you rewrote compare to my example?

Don’t just summarize what is being said. Think deeply – what is the significance? Who cares?! You picked this quote, ok, good, tell me why. You have picked the BEST quote possible to show what you are trying to say. Explain why it’s the best! Explain exactly what you are thinking. Don’t assume I know what you mean.

Which Quote is Better to Describe the Motif Secrets? “The Secret Garden was what Mary called it when she was thinking of it. She liked the name, and she liked still more the feeling that when its beautiful old walls shut her in no one knew where she was. It seemed almost like being shut out of the world in some fairy place.” Page 87 “Could you keep a secret, if I told you one? It’s a great secret. I don’t know what I should do if anyone found it out. I believe I should die!” - Mary page 98

Practice Analyzing “The Secret Garden was what Mary called it when she was thinking of it. She liked the name, and she liked still more the feeling that when its beautiful old walls shut her in no one knew where she was. It seemed almost like being shut out of the world in some fairy place.” Write a 4-6 sentence analysis of this quote. Go beyond a summary. Make sure you are explaining why the quote really shows that secrets are an important motif in the novel.

Mary treats her garden as her secret sanctuary. She likes the fact that it is a secret because when she is there, all of the hardships of her life are shut out. Mary has had a gloomy life and treats her garden as an escape. The motif of secrets is important because it exemplifies the closed-off nature of the Victorians. Readers can find significance in the fact that the garden does not always remain a secret. As Mary reveals the garden to her companions, it is as if a metaphorical weight has been lifted off her shoulder. As she is able to share her secret, she finds happiness.