The Theme of Home and Belonging

Explores how Mary and Colin find a true home at Misselthwaite through the garden and the Sowerby family.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

Mary's Homelessness

Mary's Homelessness No Place to Call Home Mary has never had a real home. In India, she lived in a bungalow but was not loved. After her parents die, she is shuffled between strangers. Misselthwaite as a Prison When she arrives at Misselthwaite, it feels like a prison. The house is cold and unwelcoming. She does not belong. The Search for Belonging Mary's journey is a search for a place where she is wanted. The garden becomes that place. It is the first thing that feels like hers.

Colin's Isolation

Colin's Isolation A Prisoner in His Room Colin has never left his room. The manor is his prison. He has no sense of home, only confinement. No Family Feeling His father avoids him. He has no mother. The manor is a house, not a home. He is an orphan in all but name. The Garden as a True Home When Colin enters the garden, he feels he belongs. It is the first place he wants to be. The garden becomes his true home.

The Sowerby Cottage as an Ideal Home

The Sowerby Cottage as an Ideal Home A Home Full of Love Despite poverty, the Sowerby cottage is warm and happy. Twelve children live in harmony. It is the opposite of Misselthwaite. Mary's Longing Mary longs to visit the cottage. It represents everything she lacks. When she finally goes, she feels at home. A Model for Misselthwaite The Sowerby cottage shows that home is about love, not size. Misselthwaite can become a home if it is filled with love.

Misselthwaite Becomes a Home

Misselthwaite Becomes a Home A Reunited Family Mr. Craven returns, Colin is healthy, and Mary is accepted. The manor is no longer empty. It is filled with laughter. The Garden as the Heart The garden is the heart of the home. It is where the family gathers. The house is now a home because of the garden. Belonging at Last Mary and Colin have found where they belong. Misselthwaite is their home. The story ends with a sense of permanent belonging.

the beginning of the story

before Mary's arrival

mentioned throughout, visited near the end

the end of the story