In the opening chapter of 'The Secret Garden,' we are introduced to Mary Lennox, a young girl characterized by her spoiled and petulant nature. Living in India during the British Raj, Mary is the daughter of wealthy parents who are often preoccupied with their social status, leaving her largely neglected. This emotional detachment has shaped her into a lonely child who finds herself surrounded by servants who cater to her every whim, yet she remains unhappy and unfulfilled.

Mary's life takes a drastic turn when a cholera outbreak sweeps through her neighborhood, claiming the lives of her parents. Following this tragedy, she is left orphaned and is sent away to live with her uncle, Archibald Craven, in England. The move is not one of choice; rather, it is an imposition that Mary resents. She arrives at Misselthwaite Manor, a grand but somber estate nestled in the Yorkshire moors, and feels completely out of place in this new and unfamiliar environment.

Upon her arrival at the manor, Mary discovers that the atmosphere is starkly different from the luxurious lifestyle she had in India. The manor is filled with shadows and an air of sadness, largely due to the absence of her uncle, who is often away due to his grief over the loss of his wife. Mary is left in the care of a housemaid named Martha, who is unaccustomed to Mary's demanding and rude behavior. Unlike the servants in India, Martha does not indulge Mary, which frustrates her further.

As Mary navigates her new life, she begins to exhibit her stubbornness and ill temper, refusing to engage with the world around her. She speaks to nobody and avoids interactions, preferring solitude. However, this isolation only emphasizes her loneliness and discontent. The chapter sets the stage for Mary’s journey of transformation by illustrating her initial state of bitterness and unhappiness.

The chapter also hints at the mysteries of Misselthwaite Manor, suggesting that there is much more beneath the surface of this seemingly dreary place. Mary’s character is established as one who has much to learn about companionship, kindness, and the healing power of nature, laying the groundwork for her eventual transformation as she uncovers the secrets that the garden holds. This chapter not only introduces us to Mary but also foreshadows the significant changes that will occur as she embarks on a journey of self-discovery and healing.