Loneliness in the secret garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett

This study aims to analyze feelings of loneliness in Frances Hodgson Burnett's novel entitled The Secret Garden. This study attempts to identify the feelings of loneliness experienced by the two main characters in the novel, namely Mary Lenox and Colin Craven. Therefore, the focus of this study is the description of the loneliness experienced by the two characters along with the factors that influence their feelings of loneliness and how they overcome this feeling of loneliness. In this study, researchers used qualitative methods to collect data. After collecting data, the researcher uses New Criticism to observe the feelings, thoughts, and behavior of the characters, then uses psychological methods to identify the loneliness experienced by the characters. The findings of the research show that the two main characters in the story, Mary Lenox and Colin Craven, share a sense of loneliness. The main reason for the loneliness of Mary Lenox and Colin Craven stems from parental abandonment. Lack of social skills, changing circumstances, and moving from India to England were other factors contributing to Mary Lenox's loneliness. At the same time, another contributing factor to Colin Craven's loneliness is the lack of a supportive environment. Mary Lenox and Colin Craven deal with loneliness in the same way: through friendship, physical activity, and being in nature.