The Secret Garden Lesson Plan

In what way is forgetfulness healing for Colin?

When Colin remembers his sickliness, he feels pain all over his body and thinks of things that he hates and gets distraught. When he is distracted from his ailments and forgets about his health, such as when Mary is visiting him, he feels much better. When Ben angers him, he forgets about everything but the moment and this distraction and forgetfulness allows him to stand. His story has proven time and time again that his illness is a self-fulfilling prophecy. A lot of what ails him is related to his thoughts. He thinks he’s ill, so he is. But as the London doctor said, he’ll live if he sets his mind to it. And if he has the...