The central image and conceit of this story is that gardens, animals and children all need fresh air, plenty of good nutrition, care and affection to grow. The children are like the garden. Mary, Colin and the garden have been largely uncared for ten years. Mary and Colin are weak and sickly, while in the garden weeds and grasses are about to choke off the shoots fighting to emerge from beneath them. Mary and Colin both have within them the seeds of their better selves, just waiting for the opportunity to sprout. Mary is so bright that she has taught herself to read, so imaginative that the locked garden captivates her fancy, so focused that she explores and actually does find and unlock the garden. From the first conversation she.....
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