Read this excerpt from The Secret Garden. Since she had been living in other people’s houses and had had no Ayah, she had begun to feel lonely and to think queer thoughts which were new to her. She had begun to wonder why she had never seemed to belong to anyone even when her father and mother had been alive. Other children seemed to belong to their fathers and mothers, but she had never seemed to really be anyone’s little girl. She had had servants, and food and clothes, but no one had taken any notice of her. She did not know that this was because she was a disagreeable child; but then, of course, she did not know she was disagreeable. She often thought that other people were, but she did not know that she was so herself.

Which theme from the novel is apparent in this excerpt?

1. Something may not be what it seems at first glance.

2. It is important to be open about your feelings.

3. Curiosity is a natural part of childhood.

4. It is important to make connections with those closest to you.