佳作
姓  名 林昀諮 學  校 國立彰化女子高級中學 年  級 三 年 十四 班

 

 

The Secret Garden

A wide variety of flowers glorify the scene. Butterflies flutter in the air, while bees hum a lively tune, with skylarks singing. What’s more, fluffy white clouds dot the blue sky, and a refreshing breeze caress Mary’s skin like silk. Thanks to Mary’s discovery, the scenes of the secret garden are so masterfully laid out that I can envision every detail in my mind. The Secret Garden is more than an engrossing novel, but also a heartwarming story that teaches lessons about love, hope, rite of passage and life. As the flowers in buds magically blossom, there seems to be an amazing healing power that can make our lives better.

The story unfolds in India where the outbreak of a severe cholera epidemic raged. Nevertheless, Mary, a ten-year-old girl who was troubled, selfish and bad-tempered wasn’t conscious of this awful catastrophe. What’s worse, she was even not aware that her parents and all the servants had been dead. When I knew Mary was left alone, my heart immediately swelled with sympathy. She was merely a rude and obstinate little girl who often acted instinctively and impulsively. Furthermore, the servants thoroughly spoiled her. Did she own the capability to take care of herself? Could a little girl endure loneliness in her life?

My questions seemed to be answered after Mary was sent to Yorkshire, England to live with her uncle. Mary’s uncle was a crotchety and reclusive old man mourning the loss of his wife, and his son, Colin, was not only confined to a wheelchair but also pessimistic about his whole life. Nonetheless, everything began to change due to the discovery of the secret garden. Through Mary’s passion for life, she ultimately created an enchanting and wonderful world that possessed a marvelous magic. Much to my relief, the secret garden thrived and became a resort where people could regain strength and hope. More importantly, Colin stood straight up on his own two feet and was able to drive sorrow away.

While reading the book, I seemed to retreat into the fascinating place full of faint fragrance and dewy grass. I am really impressed by the novel’s vivid description of all the beautiful landscapes. Moreover, the author conjures up not only breathtaking images but also positive attitude toward life. While having a chat with Colin, Mary asked Colin to talk about living things instead of being sick and dying. Mary’s words touched my heartstrings, making a series of ripples in the lake of my heart. Indeed, only when we take an optimistic attitude can we lead a fulfilling and enjoyable life.

Other than optimism, the book unveils another significant key to brightening up the secret garden. It is the powerful love between Mary and others. At the beginning of the story, Mary always did whatever she wanted and had no bosom friends. Not until she met a local boy, Dickon, did she know how to cultivate friendship with others. Before long, Mary and Dickon became intimate friends. Besides, out of kindness, they made up their mind to take Colin to the secret garden. It was rather inspiring that Colin successfully beat sadness and escaped from his monotonous daily lives. Undoubtedly, friendships multiply joys and divide griefs.

As the plants thrived in the secret garden, we could see the transition from childlike innocence to maturity in the story. The children were just like seeds in earth, waiting for the right moment to sprout and grow up. When Colin says, “Magic is in me. Magic is making me well.” I do believe optimism and love is the source of the magic that made Colin healthy.

Throughout life, we are destined to experience failure, pain and melancholy. Yet, if everyone has a secret garden of their own in their hearts, we will find that life isn’t completely under the darkness of despair. Instead, optimism and love brings about psychological and physical healing power. It goes without saying that books can open up a window into a world of magic and wisdom. For sure, The Secret Garden has given me strength to face the challenges ahead of me, and I am firmly convinced that the magic power will linger in my heart forever.