Project #6 The Secret Garden

The production of The Secret Garden at Sam Houston State University invited me to use a feminist eye to analyze the story. I felt that the character of Lily presented in the text of the show is very strong throughout even though in truth she is a ghost and unable to effect anyone by touch or words. In the production, Lily seemed to know more than any of the other characters. She watched over Colin in his bed and guided Mary to find the garden. She did more for the family than the head of the household, Archibald, could ever do. She was a strong maternal, guiding figure. Also, Mary seemed to symbolize Lily’s strength, as she is said to have Lily’s eyes in the song by the same name. She looks like Lily and manages to bring a sense of closure to the family by letting a garden grow full of flowers and roses that exemplify a feminine touch. I received a strong message from the show that sometimes women are the head of the family and are stronger than their male counterparts, even in death.