The Secret Garden Papers & Assignment Topics

Essay Topics/Writing Assignments

These 20 essay questions can be used as essay questions on a test, or as stand-alone essay topics for a take-home or in-class writing assignment. Students should have a full understanding of the text in order to answer these questions. They ask for a thorough analysis of the text.

1. What role does symbolism play in the story and where does it appear? How is the plot altered by the presence of these symbols?

2. How does the key to the garden influence the course of the story and what important cautions were given to those who used it?

3. How do Mary and Colin change through the course of the book and what causes these changes?

4. Laughter and happiness is a common theme found in this book. Where does this come into play, and how does it affect the characters...
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