Throughout the novel ‘The Secret Garden', Frances Burnett employs masterful story-

telling and techniques to exhibit and cultivate masterfully Collins character development
throughout the novel. The first way the author shows character development in the novel
is through the lens of the ‘growth mindset theory’, which implies individuals can
develop their abilities and intelligence through dedication and hard work only if they try
with a positive attitude. The growth mindset theory could be shown in the quote, "When
new beautiful thoughts began to push out the old hideous ones, life began to come back
to him, his blood ran healthily through his veins, and strength poured into him." The
second theory that demonstrates Collins character development is the theory of
ecopsychology, which suggests that humans have an innate need for connection with
nature that can lead to improved mental health outcomes. This theme is clearly presented
in the novel by the quote, "Of course there must be lots of magic in the world. I am going
to try and experiment." Hence, in these two ways, the author of this novel uses the
theories of growth mindset and ecopsychology to demonstrate Collins character
development throughout the novel.

The first way the author manifests character development is through the theme of having
a growth mindset. This theme of having a growth mindset implies that by thinking
positively and not using diminutive terms for yourself, you could do what you set your
mind to. This could be demonstrated by the quote, "When new beautiful thoughts began
to push out the old hideous ones, life began to come back to him, his blood ran healthily
through his veins, and strength poured into him." The personification in ‘began to
push’ compares the new thoughts with the old thoughts, which exhibits Colin freeing
from his old pessimistic demeanor. The moment he changed his mindset, he overcame
positive development by going out more often and enjoying the garden. He turned his life
180 degrees, becoming a strong, healthy boy. The growth mindset allowed him to
overcome his challenges and grow as the protagonist of the story. His new outlook on life
demonstrates sheer character development through the novel, as Colin used to think he
wouldn't make it alive, which was a mental barrier. This mental barrier also shows Collins'
victim mindset, which conflicts with his growth mindset, which could be shown in the
quote, "I don't suppose I shall [live]... Ever since I remember anything, I have heard people
say, I won't.". Colin tries to evoke a sense of pity by implementing pathos in this solace
remark. The way he says, “I don't think I’ll live,” demonstrates his trauma and need for
attention, and he tries to foreshadow the future. The author triumphantly demonstrates
Collins pessimistic mindset and efficiently portrays what the people around him say. As
Colin goes to the garden more often, he undergoes personal rejuvenation, echoing his
development with a growth mindset. The garden is not just a physical space but a
representation of Colin's emotional landscape, flourishing as he forges bonds with friends.
Hence, it is through these ways that Colin overcomes development through a positive
attitude.

The second way Colin's character development is shown is through the theme of
ecopsychology, which was a pivotal concept in the novel. Ecopsychology relates to having
a tendency to use nature to heal oneself. A quote to represent this vital theme is “He's
been lying in his room so long, and he's always been so afraid of his back that it has made
him queer," said Mary. "He knows a good many things out of books, but he doesn't know
anything else." The part "He knows a good many things out of books, but he doesn't know
anything else” symbolises Colin relying on theoretical knowledge rather than lived
experiences. Colin undergoes a transformative journey as he discovers the magic of the
secret garden and reconnects with nature. His interactions with Mary and Dickon, who
introduce him to the wonders of the natural world, play a crucial role in shaping his
character and fostering his personal growth. This ecopsychology theme also ultimately
allows Colin to overcome his insecurities and blossom to become a healthier and more
stable kid. The second way the theme of ecopsychology is shown is through "Of course
there must be lots of magic in the world... I am going to try and experiment." This quote
took place after Colin fell in love with the world and shows the aftereffects of the theme of
ecopsychology. This quote implements a metaphor, saying there is a lot of magic in the
world, which shows the illustrious effect the world has on him. Magic generally symbolises
something bewitching or charming, something that changes another thing, and in this
case, the worldly'magic’ made him happy. These two quotes show the sheer contrast of
Colin and how he overcame from a lazy bedridden boy to an energetic and vivacious kid.
Colin's character develops in the novel as he learns a lot about nature. This theme of
ecology directly aligns with the theme of biophilia, which plays a crucial role in igniting the
transformative journey of Colin. Hence, this is how Colin's character development is shown
through the theme of ecopsychology. Hence, throughout the course of the novel, Burnett
skillfully captures Collins character development.
The first way the author shows character development in the novel is through the lens of
the ‘growth mindset theory’, which implies individuals can develop their abilities and
intelligence through dedication and hard work only if they try with a positive attitude. The
growth mindset theory could be shown in the quote, "When new beautiful thoughts
began to push out the old hideous ones, life began to come back to him, his blood ran
healthily through his veins, and strength poured into him." The second theory that
demonstrates Collins character development is the theory of ecopsychology, which
suggests that humans have an innate need for connection with nature that can lead to
improved mental health outcomes. This theme is clearly presented in the novel by the
quote, "Of course there must be lots of magic in the world. I am going to try and
experiment.". This is how Throughout the novel ‘The Secret Garden', Frances Burnett
employs masterful story-telling and techniques to exhibit and cultivate masterfully Collins
character development throughout the novel.

Structure - Score: 9/10

Your essay is well-organised, maintaining a clear focus on the character development of

Colin throughout "The Secret Garden" by Frances Hodgson Burnett. You have effectively
divided your analysis into two main parts, each dedicated to a different theme: the growth
mindset and ecopsychology, which helps in maintaining a coherent flow of ideas. The
introduction and conclusion tie the essay together nicely, reinforcing the central argument.
However, there are moments where repetition of ideas slightly hinders the progression of
your argument. For instance, the concept of the growth mindset is introduced and then
reiterated without new information or insight, as seen in the repeated mention of how
"new beautiful thoughts began to push out the old hideous ones." To improve, consider
integrating varied examples or further elaborating on how these themes are woven
throughout the novel to enhance the depth of your analysis and avoid redundancy.

Points and Evidence - Score: 8/10

You have chosen relevant quotes to support your analysis of Colin's character
development, such as "When new beautiful thoughts began to push out the old hideous
ones," which effectively illustrates the theme of growth mindset. The use of quotes from
the novel to support each thematic point demonstrates a strong engagement with the
text. However, to further strengthen your argument, you might consider incorporating
additional evidence from the novel that showcases the changes in Colin's actions,
relationships, or self-perception over time. Also, discussing the reactions of other
characters to Colin's transformation could provide a more comprehensive view of his
development. Expanding on how these themes are echoed in the transformations of other
characters, or in the garden itself, could offer a richer analysis and a more nuanced
understanding of the novel's overarching messages.

Literary Techniques - Score: 8/10

Your analysis of literary techniques, such as personification and metaphor, highlights your
ability to identify and interpret the author's use of language to deepen the narrative. The
discussion on personification in "began to push" and the metaphor of magic in the world
are insightful. However, there's room to delve deeper into how these techniques
specifically contribute to the theme of rejuvenation and self-discovery in the novel.
Exploring additional literary devices such as symbolism (e.g., the garden itself as a symbol
of rejuvenation and growth) or the use of contrast between characters' initial states and
their development could enrich your analysis. Further, examining the narrative voice and
its role in guiding the reader's perception of Colin's transformation could offer an
additional layer of depth to your essay

Analysis - Score: 7/10

You have clearly identified and explored significant themes within "The Secret Garden,"
showing how the novel explores mystery, rejuvenation, and self-discovery through Colin's
character arc. Your interpretation of how the growth mindset and ecopsychology themes
contribute to Colin's development is well-articulated. Nevertheless, further exploration of
how these themes interact with the broader narrative structure or affect other characters
could provide a more holistic view of the novel's thematic landscape. Discussing the role of
mystery in Colin's journey towards self-discovery, or how the garden serves as a physical
and symbolic space for rejuvenation, could offer a more intricate analysis of the novel's
themes.

Link - Score: 4/5

You effectively link your analysis back to the overall theme of character development in
"The Secret Garden," particularly highlighting Colin's transformation. The references to
growth mindset and ecopsychology are aptly connected to the overarching question of
how the novel portrays character development. However, reinforcing these connections
with a more explicit discussion of how these themes are not only pivotal for Colin but also
integral to the novel's message as a whole would strengthen your essay. Highlighting the
universal applicability of these themes to the reader's personal growth or to society's
relationship with nature could provide a more compelling conclusion to your analysis.

Grammar, Syntax, and Vocabulary - Score: 4/5

Your essay demonstrates a good command of grammar, syntax, and vocabulary. The use
of sophisticated language and varied sentence structures contributes to the clarity and
persuasiveness of your argument. However, there are occasional instances where the
choice of words or sentence construction could be refined for better clarity and impact.
For example, the phrase "Colin undergoes personal rejuvenation, echoing his development
with a growth mindset" could be more effectively phrased to directly link the personal
rejuvenation to specific actions or thoughts of Colin. Additionally, paying closer attention
to the consistency of verb tenses and ensuring subject-verb agreement would polish your
writing further.

Vocabulary

Enhancements: Masterful,

Synonym: Skilful Exhibit,

Synonym: Demonstrate Cultivate,

Synonym: Foster Develop,

Synonym: Evolve
Diversify your examples and evidence from the novel to cover a broader range of
character interactions and narrative moments, enhancing the depth of your analysis.
Deepen your exploration of literary techniques by including more varied examples and
discussing their specific contributions to the novel's themes and character arcs. Expand
your analysis to include the impact of Colin's development on other characters and the
narrative as a whole, offering a more comprehensive view of the novel's thematic
concerns. Refine your vocabulary and sentence structure for greater clarity and impact,
ensuring your arguments are presented as persuasively as possible. Consider the broader
implications of the novel's themes on the reader and society, connecting your analysis to
wider discussions on growth, nature, and personal transformation. Encouragingly, your
essay demonstrates a strong engagement with "The Secret Garden" and its themes. With
further refinement and deeper analysis, your writing will not only become more
compelling but also provide richer insights into the novel.

In Frances Hodgson Burnett's "The Secret Garden," the narrative artistry and thematic
exploration are skilfully woven to chart the character progression of Colin, a testament to
Burnett's masterful storytelling. This essay delves into how the novel employs the principles
of the growth mindset and ecopsychology to meticulously sculpt Colin's character
development, offering a rich tapestry of personal evolution and nature's transformative
power. Burnett ingeniously employs the growth mindset theory, positing that abilities and
intellect can flourish through dedication and a positive outlook. This notion is vividly
captured in the narrative, as illustrated by Colin's journey from despair to vitality: "When
new beautiful thoughts began to push out the old hideous ones, life began to come back
to him, his blood ran healthily through his veins, and strength poured into him." This
transformation is not merely physical but psychological, marking a profound shift from a
state of confinement to one of liberation. The narrative's personification of thoughts,
portraying them as entities engaging in a battle, highlights Colin's internal struggle and
eventual triumph. His metamorphosis is further symbolised by his frequent visits to the
garden, which not only signify his physical rehabilitation but also his emotional and
psychological renewal. The garden, thus, becomes a space of healing, reflecting Colin's
inner growth and newfound resilience. Furthermore, the novel introduces the concept of
ecopsychology, emphasising the intrinsic human need to connect with nature. This theme
is encapsulated in the quote, "He's been lying in his room so long, and he's always been so
afraid of his back that it has made him queer," shedding light on Colin's initial detachment
from the natural world. His journey towards embracing the magic of the secret garden
signifies a pivotal moment in his character development, underlining the therapeutic
effects of nature. This transformation is metaphorically represented as Colin's awakening to
the world's wonders, marking a shift from reliance on theoretical knowledge to experiential
learning and emotional fulfilment. The garden's magic, thus, serves as a catalyst for Colin's
transition from a life of seclusion to one of exploration and discovery, epitomising the
essence of ecopsychology. Burnett's narrative masterfully explores themes of mystery,
rejuvenation, and self-discovery, interweaving Colin's personal growth with the enchanting
allure of the garden. The novel's exploration of these themes not only highlights Colin's
journey but also resonates with the reader's own experiences of growth and healing. The
garden, as a symbol of renewal and transformation, mirrors the novel's overarching
narrative of personal development and the power of nature to heal and revitalise. In
weaving these themes into the fabric of the narrative, Burnett not only charts Colin's
development but also crafts a compelling commentary on the human condition. The
interplay between the growth mindset and ecopsychology underscores the novel's
message that personal growth is attainable through perseverance, positive thinking, and a
deep connection with nature. This analysis not only elucidates the novel's thematic depth
but also reaffirms the enduring relevance of Burnett's work in contemporary discussions on
mental health and environmental consciousness. In conclusion, "The Secret Garden" by
Frances Hodgson Burnett is a rich narrative that skilfully employs the growth mindset and
ecopsychology to depict Colin's character development. Through detailed character
analysis and thematic exploration, the novel emerges as a profound study of personal
growth, the healing power of nature, and the journey towards self-discovery. As such,
Burnett's work remains a timeless exploration of the complexities of human nature and the
transformative power of the natural world