"The Secret Garden" — Chapters I & II Quiz

Instructions: Read each question carefully and choose the best answer.

1. Where was Mary Lennox born?

A. England
B. India
C. Scotland
D. Ireland

1. Why did Mary's mother, the Mem Sahib, want Mary kept out of sight?

A. Mary was too loud when she played
B. The Mem Sahib only cared about parties and being amused, not being disturbed
C. Mary was very sick and needed rest
D. The Ayah asked for privacy

1. What disease broke out and caused panic in the bungalow?

A. Measles
B. Malaria
C. Cholera
D. Influenza

1. How did Mary end up falling into a deep sleep during the chaos?

A. She was given medicine by a servant
B. She drank a glass of wine she found in the dining room
C. She stayed up all night and grew exhausted
D. A doctor gave her a sleeping draught

1. What creature did Mary see gliding across the matting in her room?

A. A mouse
B. A small snake
C. A lizard
D. A spider

1. What did the men who entered the bungalow discover?

A. That Mary's parents were alive and looking for her
B. That Mary had been completely forgotten and was alone
C. That the Ayah had survived
D. That the house had not been affected by cholera

1. According to the text, why does Mary NOT cry when she learns her Ayah has died?

A. She was too frightened to cry
B. She was not an affectionate child and never cared much for anyone
C. She did not understand what death meant
D. She was asleep when she found out

1. What does the chapter title "Mistress Mary Quite Contrary" suggest about Mary's personality?

A. She is kind and giving
B. She is likely difficult, sour, or disagreeable
C. She is very shy and quiet
D. She is extremely brave

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Short Answer Questions

1. Describe Mary Lennox's appearance and personality at the beginning of the story. Use at least two details from the text.

1. Explain how Mary discovered that her parents had died. What happened right before she found out?

1. Why do you think Mary was not very upset or worried when she realized she had "no one left"? Use evidence from the story to support your answer.

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Answer Key

1. B — India
2. B — The Mem Sahib only cared about parties and being amused, not being disturbed
3. C — Cholera
4. B — She drank a glass of wine she found in the dining room
5. B — A small snake
6. B — That Mary had been completely forgotten and was alone
7. B — She was not an affectionate child and never cared much for anyone
8. B — She is likely difficult, sour, or disagreeable

1. Sample answer: Mary had a thin face, thin light hair, and a sour expression. Her skin looked yellow because she had often been ill. She was described as tyrannical and selfish because the servants always obeyed her and gave her whatever she wanted.

1. Sample answer: Mary fell asleep after drinking wine and slept through much of the chaos. When she woke up, the house was completely silent. Men entered the bungalow and were shocked to find her alive and alone—that is when she learned her parents had died from cholera and been carried away in the night.

1. Sample answer: Mary was not very upset because she had never been close to her parents or had anyone who truly cared for her. She was used to being taken care of by servants who obeyed her, so she assumed someone would always take care of her. The text says she was self-absorbed and had "never cared much for anyone," so losing her parents did not feel like a personal loss to her.