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Learn English Through Novel Story ★ The Secret Garden -- English Listening Practice Level 3

Learn English Through Story For Free・2 minutes read

Mary, a neglected child from India, moves to her uncle's estate in England, discovering a secret garden that she revives with the help of her new friends, Dickon and Colin, leading to Colin's remarkable recovery and the end of their secret.

Insights

  • Mary, a neglected child, found solace and purpose in the secret garden, transforming from a selfish and unpleasant girl to a caring individual fostering relationships and healing those around her.
  • The power of nature and companionship played a pivotal role in Mary's growth, as she, along with Colin and Dickon, nurtured the garden and each other, leading to remarkable transformations and healing, showcasing the profound impact of connection and the natural world on human well-being.

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Recent questions

  • What is the main setting of the story?

    Yorkshire, England

  • Who is Mary's first friend in the new house?

    Martha

  • What is the name of the secret garden?

    Mrs. Craven's Garden

  • Who helps Mary with the seeds for her garden?

    Dicken

  • What is the turning point in Colin's health?

    Spending time in the secret garden

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Summary

00:00

Lonely girl discovers friendship in secret garden

  • Mary, a neglected child born in India, was cared for by an Indian woman named Kamala as her parents were preoccupied.
  • Mary was selfish and unpleasant, always giving orders and thinking only of herself.
  • A disease struck the town, killing many, including Kamala, leaving Mary alone and forgotten in her house.
  • Mary discovered her parents had died, and she was to live with her uncle, Mr. Archibald Craven, in Yorkshire, England.
  • Mary arrived at her uncle's large, isolated house on the moor, where she met Martha, a friendly servant.
  • Mary, accustomed to being waited on, was surprised to learn she had to dress herself and was encouraged to explore the moor.
  • Martha shared about her large family and brother Dicken, who had a wild horse and spent time on the moor.
  • Mary, initially resistant, eventually warmed up to the idea of exploring the moor and playing outside.
  • Martha mentioned a locked garden that belonged to Mrs. Craven, Mary's deceased aunt, sparking Mary's curiosity.
  • Mary met Ben Weatherstaff, the gardener, who introduced her to a friendly robin, leading Mary to realize her loneliness and seek friendship with the bird.

29:59

"Mary Discovers Secret Garden with Dicken"

  • Mary noticed the robin flying into the garden with no door, but Ben informed her that there was no way to access it as it was not her concern.
  • Mary spent time in the gardens, becoming healthier due to the fresh air from the moor, and encountered the robin who seemed to lead her to the secret garden.
  • Martha shared the story of the secret garden, revealing it was Mrs. Craven's favorite until her tragic accident, leading Mr. Craven to ban anyone from entering.
  • Mary heard a child crying in the house, but Martha dismissed it as the wind, sparking Mary's curiosity to explore the numerous rooms in the mansion.
  • Mary discovered a key buried near the wall of the secret garden, leading her to unlock the door and enter the long-forgotten garden.
  • Inside the secret garden, Mary found it enchanting with old rose trees and climbing roses, and she began clearing the ground to allow new shoots to grow.
  • Mary expressed her loneliness to Martha, who suggested she create her own garden, leading Mary to ask Dicken to bring her a spade and seeds.
  • Mary encountered Dicken in the woods, who helped her with the seeds and revealed his connection with animals and birds on the moor.
  • Mary confided in Dicken about the secret garden, expressing her love for it and her fear of losing it, leading them to enter the garden together.
  • Dicken reassured Mary that most of the roses were alive, and they began planning to revive the garden together, forming a bond over their shared secret.

58:39

Mary and Dicken bond over gardening and secrets.

  • Mary showed Dicken the work she did in the garden, and they talked as they cut and cleared.
  • Dicken suddenly expressed liking Mary, who was surprised as he had only liked five people before.
  • Mary asked Dicken in Yorkshire dialect if he liked her, to which he replied positively.
  • Martha informed Mary that Mr. Craven had returned and wanted to see her before leaving again for several months.
  • Mr. Craven, Mary's uncle, had black and white hair, a sad face, and asked Mary about her activities in the big empty house.
  • Mary expressed her desire for a garden to plant seeds and make them grow, which Mr. Craven allowed her to have.
  • Mary planned to work in the garden with Dicken daily to beautify it for the summer.
  • Mary discovered Colin, Mr. Craven's son, crying in a big room and learned about his illness and fear of becoming like his father.
  • Mary promised to help Colin get better and keep their garden secret, which made Colin happy.
  • Mary visited Colin daily, and their interactions improved his mood and health, surprising Dr. Craven and Mrs. Medlock.

01:27:27

Colin's Secret Garden Transformation and Reveal

  • Mary decides to bring Colin to the garden after realizing his connection with nature.
  • Colin expresses his desire to see the secret garden and Mary reveals its existence to him.
  • Colin, Mary, and Dickon spend time in the secret garden, where Colin starts feeling better and stronger.
  • Colin decides to keep his progress a secret, pretending to still be ill to avoid unwanted attention.
  • Colin's health improves as he spends time in the garden daily, learning about plants and nature.
  • Ben Weatherstaff discovers Colin's secret ability to walk and is amazed by his transformation.
  • Susan Sowerby visits the garden, recognizing Colin's resemblance to his mother and encouraging his progress.
  • Mr. Craven, Colin's father, returns home after receiving a letter from Susan, and is surprised by Colin's newfound health.
  • Mr. Craven reunites with Colin in the garden, where Colin reveals his recovery and they walk back to the house together, marking the end of their secret.
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