The Theme of Secrets and Revelation in Three Novels for Children

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The Theme of Secrets and Revelation in Three Novels for Children
The keeping and revelation of secrets is a common theme in children’s literature. It may be speculated that this popularity is due both to authors’ recognition of the value of secrets and revelations as dramatic devices as well as to a general realization that secret spaces are critical elements of childhood development. From this perspective, this paper will examine the representation of the theme of secrets and revelation in three novels for children: Howl’s Moving Castle, The Secret Garden, and Harriet the Spy. The thesis will be argued that in all three novels the theme of secrets and revelation is manifested in the inner lives of the novels’ main characters. It serves as...

..... world. Thus, secrets in all three works reflect the idea of protective and nurturing virtual spaces that are both empowering and, in complex ways, facilitate the characters’ growth and development. Finally, in all three novels, the discovery or revelation of the secrets is represented as an organic aspect of the development of the characters, as they are shown to move beyond the need to protect their inner, hidden lives and are ready to integrate with the world again in a more healthy and dynamic way.
Bibliography
Burnett, Frances Hodgson. The Secret Garden. 1911. New York:
HarperCollins, 1990.
Fitzhugh, Louise. Harriet the Spy. 1964. New York: Random House,
2001.
Jones, Diana Wynne. Howl’s Moving Castle. 1986. London:
HarperCollins, 2005.