Anne of Green Gables by Lucy Maud Montgomery - Summary
"Anne of
Green Gables" is a classic
children's novel by Canadian author Lucy Maud Montgomery, first published in
1908. It tells the story of Anne Shirley, an imaginative, talkative, and
spirited orphan girl who is mistakenly sent to live with an elderly brother and
sister on Prince Edward Island.
Plot Summary
The story begins with Marilla
and Matthew Cuthbert, elderly siblings who live in their ancestral farm,
Green Gables, in the fictional town of Avonlea, Prince Edward Island. They
decide to adopt an orphan boy to help Matthew with farm chores. However, due to
a mix-up, they are sent an 11-year-old girl named Anne Shirley, instead
of a boy.
Anne is a skinny,
red-haired, freckled girl with a vivid imagination and an almost pathological
talkativeness. Initially, Marilla, who is practical and stern, is determined to
send Anne back. Matthew, however, is immediately captivated by Anne's unique spirit
and pleads with Marilla to let her stay. Despite her reservations, Marilla
eventually softens and agrees to keep Anne.
Life at Green Gables is a
series of adventures and misadventures for Anne. Her imaginative nature often
leads her into trouble, but her good heart and sincere apologies always win
over those around her. Some notable events include:
- Her friendship with Diana Barry:
Anne quickly forms a deep bond with Diana, who becomes her "kindred
spirit." Their friendship is tested when Anne accidentally gives
Diana currant wine instead of raspberry cordial, leading to Diana's mother
forbidding them from seeing each other for a time.
- Her rivalry with Gilbert Blythe:
Gilbert, a handsome and intelligent classmate, teases Anne about her red
hair, calling her "Carrots." In a fit of temper, Anne breaks her
slate over his head and refuses to forgive him for years, even though he
repeatedly tries to apologize and befriend her.
- Academic pursuits:
Anne is incredibly intelligent and excels in school, often competing with
Gilbert for top honors. Her academic success leads her to Queen's Academy
in Charlottetown, where she trains to become a teacher.
- Personal growth:
Throughout her adolescence, Anne matures significantly. She learns to
control her fiery temper, to think before she speaks, and to appreciate
the beauty and comfort of her life at Green Gables. Marilla, too, changes,
becoming more openly affectionate and understanding towards Anne.
The novel culminates when
Matthew suddenly dies of a heart attack. At the same time, Marilla's eyesight
begins to fail, threatening her ability to keep Green Gables. Faced with these
challenges, Anne makes a selfless decision: she foregoes a scholarship to
Redmond College (university) in favor of taking a teaching position at the
local Avonlea school. This allows her to stay at Green Gables and care for
Marilla.
Gilbert Blythe, who has
also become a teacher in the area, offers Anne his position at the Avonlea
school so she can remain at Green Gables. This act finally mends their
long-standing feud, and they become good friends, hinting at a future romantic
relationship. The story ends with Anne looking forward to her future, filled
with hope and the promise of a fulfilling life at Green Gables with her beloved
Marilla.
Major Themes
- Imagination vs. Reality: Anne's
vivid imagination often clashes with the practical realities of life,
leading to both humorous and poignant moments.
- Belonging and Home:
The central theme is Anne's search for a place where she truly belongs and
finds a loving home.
- Friendship and Love:
The novel explores the power of deep friendships (like Anne and Diana's)
and the gradual development of a more complex relationship (like Anne and
Gilbert's).
- Nature and Beauty:
Anne has a profound appreciation for the natural world, which reflects
Montgomery's own love for Prince Edward Island.
- Growth and Maturation:
Anne's journey from a tempestuous, imaginative child to a responsible,
compassionate young woman is a key aspect of the story.
"Anne of Green
Gables" is celebrated for its endearing characters, its beautiful
descriptions of nature, and its heartwarming portrayal of a young girl finding
her place in the world.
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