Read this excerpt from The Secret Garden. If he had ever had anyone to talk to about his secret terrors—if he had ever dared to let himself ask questions—if he had had childish companions and had not lain on his back in the huge closed house, breathing an atmosphere heavy with the fears of people who were most of them ignorant and tired of him, he would have found out that most of his fright and illness was created by himself.

Which theme is best developed by this excerpt?

Happiness depends on helping others.

Being compassionate is an important part of being human.

A person’s attitude shapes his or her life.

Healing and growing happen in special places.