Stage and screen adaptations have variously interpreted Frances Hodgson Burnett’s genre-defying novel set in turn-of-the-century England’s countryside, “The Secret Garden.” It’s tempting to interpret the 1993 movie adaptation of this book with typically cited lessons.
Several teachings come to mind: nature’s restorative power; critiques of colonial, racial, or gender domination; or resilience despite death and disability. A more freeing, fruitful interpretation, though, may be to see it as a reflection on growing up.
