The Secret Garden Allusions & Cultural References

When authors refer to other great works, people, and events, it’s usually not accidental. Put on your super-sleuth hat and figure out why.

  • "Mary, Mary, Quite Contrary," a nursery rhyme referring to Queen Mary and her penchant for having people killed (2.6)
  • "Riquet à la Houppe" (also known in English as "Ricky of the Tuft"), a fairy story by Charles Perrault (2.50)