Streszczenie „Ani z Zielonego Wzgórza”

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Dodane: 27.12.2025 o 18:37

Discussing the theme of escape and healing in literature through a detailed analysis of "The Secret Garden" by Frances Hodgson Burnett and "Anne of Green Gables" by Lucy Maud Montgomery offers rich insights into how both novels use physical spaces—gardens and houses—as metaphors for personal transformation and healing. Both novels, set in the early 20th century, vividly depict not only the journeys of their young protagonists but also the profound influence of their environments on their characters' development and emotional well-being.

The Role of Setting

"The Secret Garden" is set in Misselthwaite Manor, a grand but somber estate on the Yorkshire moors. At the heart of Misselthwaite is the hidden, locked garden, which serves as the crux of the story. The garden, overgrown and forgotten, is in essence a secret world waiting to be discovered and rejuvenated. Mary Lennox, a neglected and sour girl from British India, arrives at this isolated manor after losing her parents to a cholera outbreak. The garden stands as a symbol of her own neglected soul, initially closed off and unloved.

Conversely, "Anne of Green Gables" takes place in the picturesque Avonlea on Prince Edward Island. Green Gables, the home where Anne Shirley is adopted, is warm and welcoming, mirroring the affectionate yet sometimes stern Marilla and the gentle Matthew Cuthbert who live there. The vibrant settings—lush forests, rolling fields, and the iconic "Haunted Wood"—play a significant role in reflecting Anne’s imaginative and passionate nature. While the house and its surroundings are not secret or locked, as in Mary’s case, they nonetheless serve as a backdrop for healing, offering Anne a stable environment from which her transformation can begin.

Protagonists’ Initial States

At the onset, both Mary and Anne are strikingly different yet share similarities as orphans seeking belonging and care.

Mary Lennox, described as a "contrary" girl, begins her journey as a self-centered and frail child. Her upbringing in colonial India under the care of disinterested servants left her with a sense of loneliness and detachment. Upon her arrival at Misselthwaite, she carries this sense of isolation, her physical weakness mirroring her emotional state. The Yorkshire moors’ bleakness only seems to reinforce her initial disposition.

Anne Shirley, on the other hand, comes to Green Gables brimming with vivid imagination and an irrepressible spirit, despite her traumatic childhood spent in various foster homes and an orphanage. Sensitive and talkative, Anne uses her imagination as an escape from her loneliness and as an armor against a world that often misunderstands her. Her longing for a place to truly belong to is palpable from her very first encounter with the Cuthberts.

The Process of Transformation

Mary's transformation begins with her discovery of the secret garden. The act of finding the garden, and later, working to bring it back to life, serves as a catalyst for her healing. Initially, Mary’s interest in the garden is purely self-serving, a secret retreat from the bleakness of Misselthwaite. However, as she tends to the soil, plants, and eventually the garden itself begins to bloom, a parallel transformation occurs within Mary. She grows healthier, more robust, and gradually becomes kinder and more caring. The garden teaches her each element of natural growth parallels a change within her as well.

A significant part of Mary’s journey involves Colin Craven, her sickly, bedridden cousin. Their meetings, first in secrecy and then openly, allow both children to face their inner fears and traumas. Mary's resoluteness and refusal to see Colin as an invalid inspire Colin to confront his own condition, leading him to physical and emotional healing. The garden becomes their shared sanctuary, a living embodiment of possibility and renewal.

Meanwhile, Anne’s transformation is less about uncovering a hidden physical space and more about integrating herself into the community of Avonlea and learning to temper her wild imagination with real-world experiences. Green Gables, under the care of Marilla and Matthew, provides Anne the stability she desperately needs. Marilla’s firm yet loving guidance helps Anne develop from a flighty and impulsive girl into a mature and thoughtful young woman.

Anne’s imaginative approach to life initially causes friction, particularly with Marilla, but over time, her creativity and warmth endear her to the local community. Through friendships, schooling, and various adventures and misadventures, Anne discovers her potential and places her imaginative faculties to good, constructive use. The love and acceptance she receives from the Cuthberts and the Avonlea community act as both a balm and a foundation upon which she builds her new life.

Symbolism of Gardens and Houses

The garden in "The Secret Garden" is more than just a physical space. It is a metaphorical representation of the inner states of the characters. The transformation of the neglected garden into a place of beauty and life mirrors the internal revival of Mary, Colin, and even of Colin’s father, Archibald Craven. The garden’s rebirth is directly tied to the healing of its caretakers. Each aspect of the garden’s growth—new shoots, blossoming flowers, the return of birds—reflects the reclaiming of hope and vitality in its young tenders.

In "Anne of Green Gables," Green Gables serves as a symbol of stability and nurturing. The house and its surrounding landscape are constant, dependable backdrops to Anne’s emotional journey. Anne names every nook and cranny of Avonlea, imbuing the environment with her imaginative flair. While the garden in Burnett’s novel is a contained and transformative space, the entire setting of Avonlea works as a canvas upon which Anne paints her world, reflecting the openness and expansiveness of her imagination. This connection to her environment helps anchor her, allowing her to move from escapism to engagement with her community.

Supporting Characters

Supporting characters in both novels play essential roles in the transformation of the protagonists. In "The Secret Garden," Dickon Sowerby, a Yorkshire lad with a deep affinity for nature, becomes Mary’s friend and partner in the revitalizing of the garden. His intrinsic understanding of nature and his gentle guidance help Mary and later Colin connect with the natural world. Dickon’s mother, Mrs. Sowerby, adds another layer of support, offering wisdom and kindness to both the children, and her subtle interventions greatly influence their journeys.

Anne's transformation in "Anne of Green Gables" is equally supported by secondary characters. Matthew and Marilla Cuthbert, though initially taken aback by Anne’s unconventional nature, provide the steady, loving environment she needs. Matthew’s quiet, unconditional support offers Anne the affirmation she has longed for, while Marilla, through her strict, yet fair approach, teaches Anne the values of discipline and responsibility. The broader community of Avonlea, including friends like Diana Barry and rivals-turned-friends like Gilbert Blythe, also play crucial roles in helping Anne integrate and grow.

Resolution and Personal Growth

By the end of "The Secret Garden," Mary Lennox and Colin Craven have undergone remarkable transformations. Mary becomes a healthy, compassionate girl, proving how much environment and companionship can change a person. Colin, who starts the story believing he is doomed to die young, finds strength, confidence, and a zest for life through his interactions in the garden. Their parents and guardians, especially Mr. Craven, are also deeply affected, showing that healing in the garden extends beyond its young inhabitants.

In "Anne of Green Gables," Anne Shirley’s narrative culminates with her acceptance as a cherished member of the Avonlea community. She excels in school, plants deep roots of friendship, and brings joy and transformation to all around her. Her journey from a lonely, misunderstood orphan to a confident and loved individual is a testament to the power of acceptance and nurture. Anne’s story continues past "Anne of Green Gables," but the first novel firmly establishes her as someone capable of overcoming her past to build a hopeful future.

Conclusion

In conclusion, both "The Secret Garden" and "Anne of Green Gables" offer compelling portrayals of escape and healing. Through their environments—be it a secret, locked garden or a welcoming, picturesque home—these novels explore themes of rebirth, growth, and the transformative power of love and nature. Mary Lennox and Anne Shirley, under very different circumstances, both find paths to self-discovery and healing, teaching readers that environments, whether wild gardens or rural homes, can be crucibles of change and renewal. Their stories resonate with the timeless message that healing is often found in the places and people who provide us stability, encouragement, and love, thus underscoring the enduring power of literature to illuminate the journey from isolation to belonging.