The Theme of Class and Equality

Explores how the story challenges class distinctions through the friendships between Mary, Colin, and the Sowerby family.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

Mary's Superior Attitude

Mary's Superior Attitude Indian Upbringing Mary was raised to treat servants as inferiors. She expects to be waited on and obeyed. She looks down on Martha and Dickon. Clash with Martha Martha refuses to be subservient. She speaks bluntly and expects Mary to do things for herself. Mary is shocked but gradually adapts. The Beginning of Change Mary's prejudice is challenged by Martha's dignity. She begins to see servants as people. Class barriers start to crumble.

Colin's Rajah Complex

Colin's Rajah Complex Absolute Authority Colin treats everyone as inferiors. He orders servants around and expects instant obedience. His illness has made him a tyrant. The Rajah Comparison Mary compares Colin to a young Indian Rajah. He is used to power but not to respect. His authority is based on fear. Learning Equality Through Mary and Dickon, Colin learns to treat others as equals. He begins to say "please" and "thank you." His transformation includes social humility.

Dickon's Natural Nobility

Dickon's Natural Nobility A Common Boy Dickon is a poor moor boy with patched clothes. But he possesses wisdom and kindness that transcend class. He is a natural aristocrat of the spirit. Respected by All Everyone respects Dickon—servants, gardeners, even Dr. Craven. His worth is not based on birth but on character. He challenges class assumptions. The True Gentleman Dickon is the moral center of the story. He teaches Mary and Colin that true nobility comes from within. Class is irrelevant in the garden.

Susan Sowerby's Wisdom

Susan Sowerby's Wisdom A Common Woman Susan Sowerby is a poor cottager's wife. Yet she has the wisdom to advise Mr. Craven. She writes to him as an equal. The "Whole Orange" Lesson Susan teaches that no one owns the whole orange. This is a lesson in humility and sharing. Class privilege is an illusion. A Mother to All Susan mothers Mary and Colin regardless of their social status. Her love is unconditional. She embodies the equality of the human heart.

The Garden as an Equalizer

The Garden as an Equalizer No Titles in the Garden In the secret garden, Mary is not a mistress, Colin is not a master, and Dickon is not a servant. They are simply children working together. Shared Labor They all dig, weed, and plant. There is no hierarchy. The garden demands cooperation, not command. A Model Society The garden is a utopia where class does not matter. The children learn to value each other for who they are. This is the story's ideal.

early in the story

before meeting Mary

throughout the story

throughout, especially her letter

throughout the garden scenes