Anne of Green Gables | Lucy Maud Montgomery | Cliff Note Books

Anne of Green Gables” is a classic novel by Canadian author Lucy Maud Montgomery, published in 1908. It tells the story of Anne Shirley, an 11-year-old orphan girl who is mistakenly sent to live with middle-aged siblings Matthew and Marilla Cuthbert on their farm in the fictional town of Avonlea on Prince Edward Island, Canada.

At first, Marilla is determined to send Anne back to the orphanage, but Matthew quickly becomes fond of the imaginative and talkative girl and convinces Marilla to keep her. Anne quickly adjusts to life on the farm and makes friends, including Diana Barry, who becomes her bosom friend.

Throughout the book, Anne’s lively imagination and intelligence get her into various scrapes, but she always manages to come out on top. She also develops a rivalry with Gilbert Blythe, a classmate who teases her about her red hair, but they eventually become friends.

The novel covers Anne’s experiences over several years, including her successes and failures at school, her adventures with her friends, and her blossoming into a young woman. It also touches on themes such as family, friendship, and the importance of imagination and education.

Overall, “Anne of Green Gables” is a heartwarming coming-of-age story that has captured the hearts of readers for over a century.

CHARACTERS

• Anne Shirley: The protagonist, an imaginative and talkative 11-year-old orphan girl who is mistakenly sent to live with the Cuthbert siblings on their farm.
• Matthew Cuthbert: A middle-aged bachelor who lives on the farm with his sister Marilla. He is kind-hearted and quickly takes a liking to Anne.
• Marilla Cuthbert: Matthew’s sister and Anne’s guardian. She is initially stern and practical, but eventually comes to love Anne as her own daughter.
• Diana Barry: Anne’s best friend and neighbor. She is kind and loyal, and shares Anne’s love of romance and adventure.
• Gilbert Blythe: A classmate of Anne’s who initially teases her about her red hair. He is intelligent and ambitious, and develops a friendly rivalry with Anne.
• Rachel Lynde: A neighbor of the Cuthberts who is known for her gossiping and nosiness. She initially disapproves of Anne, but eventually becomes fond of her.
• Mrs. Barry: Diana’s mother, who is initially hesitant about letting her daughter spend time with Anne. She eventually warms up to Anne and becomes a supporter of her education.
• Josie Pye: A classmate of Anne’s who is often jealous of her popularity and academic success.
• Miss Stacy: A new teacher at Anne’s school who encourages her love of learning and imagination.

QUOTES

1. “Isn’t it splendid to think of all the things there are to find out about? It just makes me feel glad to be alive—it’s such an interesting world. It wouldn’t be half so interesting if we know all about everything, would it? There’d be no scope for imagination then, would there?”
2. “Dear old world,” she murmured, “you are very lovely, and I am glad to be alive in you.”
3. “It’s been my experience that you can nearly always enjoy things if you make up your mind firmly that you will.”
4. “It’s not what the world holds for you, it’s what you bring to it.”
5. “It’s been my lifelong experience that people are not one bit more spiteful than they are good-natured.”
6. “It’s so much more romantic to end a story up with a funeral than a wedding.”
7. “Tomorrow is always fresh, with no mistakes in it yet.”
8. “I don’t know what lies around the bend, but I’m going to believe that the best does.”
9. “I’m so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers.”
10. “I’d like to add some beauty to life,” said Anne dreamily. “I don’t exactly want to make people know more… though I know that is the noblest ambition… but I’d love to make them have a pleasanter time because of me… to have some little joy or happy thought that would never have existed if I hadn’t been born.”

AUTHOR

Lucy Maud Montgomery was a Canadian author who was born on November 30, 1874, in Clifton, Prince Edward Island, Canada. She was the daughter of Hugh John Montgomery and Clara Woolner Macneill Montgomery. Her mother died when she was just 21 months old, and her father moved away to Saskatchewan shortly thereafter, leaving her in the care of her maternal grandparents.

Montgomery had a love of storytelling from a young age and began writing as a teenager. She attended Prince of Wales College in Charlottetown and Dalhousie University in Halifax, but financial difficulties prevented her from completing her degree. She worked as a teacher and a governess to support herself and continued to write in her spare time.

In 1908, Montgomery published her first novel, “Anne of Green Gables,” which became an instant bestseller and launched her career as a writer. She went on to write several more novels and many short stories, including several sequels to “Anne of Green Gables.”

Montgomery suffered from depression throughout her life, and her personal life was marked by tragedy. She married a Presbyterian minister named Ewan Macdonald in 1911 and had two sons, but the marriage was unhappy, and Macdonald suffered from mental illness. Montgomery’s close friend and confidant, Frederica Campbell, died in 1919, and Montgomery’s own mental health deteriorated following her husband’s death in 1940.

Montgomery died on April 24, 1942, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Her legacy as one of Canada’s most beloved and enduring authors has continued long after her death. Her novels have been translated into numerous languages and adapted for stage, film, and television, and she is remembered for her ability to capture the beauty and charm of Prince Edward Island in her writing.

THEMES

1. Imagination: Anne’s vivid imagination is a central aspect of her character, and the book celebrates the power of imagination to enrich our lives and bring joy and wonder to the world.
2. Friendship: The book explores the importance of friendship in our lives, and how friends can provide support, encouragement, and companionship.
3. Family: The concept of family is a major theme in the book, as Anne finds a new family with the Cuthberts and comes to appreciate the importance of familial bonds.
4. Education: The book emphasizes the value of education and learning, and how education can help us achieve our goals and broaden our horizons.
5. Love: Love is a recurring theme in the book, from Anne’s romantic notions of love to the love between family members and friends.
6. Acceptance: The book explores the theme of acceptance, as Anne learns to accept herself and others despite their flaws and differences.
7. Growth: The book follows Anne’s journey of personal growth and development as she matures from a young girl to a young woman, and learns important life lessons along the way.
8. Nature: The natural beauty of Prince Edward Island is an important aspect of the book, and Montgomery’s descriptions of the landscape and environment emphasize the power and beauty of nature.
9. Resilience: Anne faces many challenges and setbacks throughout the book, but she remains resilient and optimistic, and ultimately overcomes adversity through her strength of character and determination.
10. Individuality: The book celebrates the unique qualities and individuality of each person, and encourages readers to embrace their own individuality and the individuality of others.

SYMBOLLISM

1. Puffed sleeves: Puffed sleeves are a symbol of Anne’s desire for beauty and fashion. They are also a symbol of Anne’s personal growth and maturity, as Marilla allows her to have them once she has proven herself responsible.
2. The White Way of Delight: The White Way of Delight is a symbolic representation of Anne’s romantic imagination and her desire for beauty and wonder in the world.
3. The Lake of Shining Waters: The Lake of Shining Waters is a symbol of the beauty and serenity of nature, and also represents Anne’s own inner beauty and purity.
4. The Haunted Wood: The Haunted Wood is a symbol of the unknown and the mysterious, and represents the fears and anxieties that come with exploring new territory.
5. Flowers: Flowers are a recurring symbol in the book, representing beauty, joy, and growth. Anne is particularly fond of flowers, and her love of flowers reflects her own vibrant spirit and love of life.
6. Anne’s Red Hair: Anne’s red hair is a symbol of her uniqueness and individuality. It sets her apart from others and represents her fiery spirit and determination.
7. The Birch Path: The Birch Path is a symbolic representation of the path of life, with its twists and turns and unexpected surprises. It also represents Anne’s own journey of personal growth and development.
8. The Plum Pudding: The Plum Pudding is a symbol of the joy and abundance of the Christmas season, and also represents the warmth and love of family and community.
9. The Snow Queen: The Snow Queen is a symbol of the beauty and mystery of winter, and also represents the challenges and obstacles that Anne must overcome in order to achieve her goals.
10. The Apple Blossoms: The Apple Blossoms are a symbol of the beauty and fragility of youth, and also represent the fleeting nature of life and the importance of living in the present moment.

DISCUSSION POINTS WHEN STUDYING

1. The role of imagination: Discuss the role that imagination plays in the book and how it impacts the characters and their experiences.
2. Gender roles: Analyze the book’s portrayal of gender roles, particularly in relation to Anne’s unconventional behavior and the expectations placed on her as a girl.
3. Family and community: Examine the book’s portrayal of family and community, including the different types of families represented and the importance of community in the lives of the characters.
4. Education: Discuss the book’s emphasis on education and the role that learning and knowledge play in the characters’ lives.
5. Love and relationships: Explore the various forms of love and relationships depicted in the book, including romantic love, family love, and platonic friendships.
6. Coming-of-age: Analyze Anne’s journey of personal growth and development and how it reflects the challenges and opportunities of adolescence.
7. Nature: Discuss the book’s portrayal of nature and the natural environment, including the ways in which the characters interact with and appreciate the natural world.
8. Symbolism: Analyze the use of symbolism in the book and how it contributes to the themes and motifs of the story.
9. Historical context: Consider the historical context in which the book was written and the ways in which it reflects the social and cultural values of the time.
10. Adaptations: Compare and contrast different adaptations of the book, including film and television adaptations, and discuss how they interpret and represent the story and characters.

SUMMARIES

Chapter 1: Mrs. Rachel Lynde is Surprised The book begins with Mrs. Rachel Lynde, a nosy and opinionated neighbor, watching the arrival of Matthew Cuthbert at the train station. She learns that Matthew has come to pick up an orphan boy to help him and his sister Marilla on their farm, but there has been a mix-up and he has been given a girl instead.

Chapter 2: Matthew Cuthbert is Surprised Matthew takes the girl, Anne Shirley, home to Green Gables, where Marilla is initially reluctant to keep her. Anne is a talkative and imaginative girl, and Marilla is concerned about how she will fit into their quiet and practical household.

Chapter 3: Marilla Cuthbert is Surprised Anne’s chatter and fanciful stories make Marilla nervous, and she worries that the girl will be a bad influence on her own children. Marilla tells Anne that she will not be able to stay at Green Gables and will have to go back to the orphanage.

Chapter 4: Morning at Green Gables The next morning, Anne wakes up at Green Gables and is enchanted by the beauty of the place. She is thrilled to be living in a real house and has never had a bed to call her own before. She is also excited to start school and make friends.

Chapter 5: Anne’s History Anne tells Marilla and Matthew about her difficult childhood in various orphanages and foster homes, where she was often mistreated and neglected. She also shares her love of reading and her passion for learning.

Chapter 6: Marilla Makes Up Her Mind Marilla decides to keep Anne after all, realizing that she has come to love the girl and that she will be a valuable addition to their household. She sets some rules for Anne to follow and insists that she must work hard and be well-behaved.

Chapter 7: Anne Says Her Prayers Anne says her prayers before going to bed, but her imagination gets the better of her and she becomes frightened of the shadows in the room. She ends up sleeping in Marilla’s bed, much to Marilla’s chagrin.

Chapter 8: Anne’s Bringing-Up Is Begun Marilla begins to teach Anne how to do household chores and be useful on the farm. Anne is enthusiastic about learning and eager to please, but she is also prone to daydreaming and getting distracted.

Chapter 9: Mrs. Rachel Lynde is Properly Horrified Anne and Marilla attend church, where Anne makes a dramatic impression by mistaking the minister’s wife for a witch. Mrs. Rachel Lynde is scandalized by Anne’s behavior and believes that Marilla should have sent her back to the orphanage.

Chapter 10: Anne’s Apology Anne realizes that she has caused trouble and sets out to make amends. She apologizes to Mrs. Lynde and makes a good impression by reciting a poem she has memorized. She also begins to make friends with the other children in the neighborhood, particularly a girl named Diana Barry.

Chapter 11: Anne’s Impressions of Sunday School Anne attends Sunday school for the first time and is initially disappointed by the lack of romance and adventure in the Bible stories. She also learns about forgiveness and redemption, which has a profound effect on her.

Chapter 12: A Solemn Vow and Promise Anne and Diana make a solemn vow to be “bosom friends” forever, and Anne declares that she will do anything for her friend. They also have a tea party in Diana’s garden, which ends in disaster when Anne gets Diana drunk on currant wine.

Chapter 13: The Delights of Anticipation Anne and Diana look forward to a picnic at the beach, but their plans are disrupted when Anne accidentally dyes her hair green. Marilla insists that Anne stay home, but Diana and her mother come to Green Gables to comfort her.

Chapter 14: Anne’s Confession Anne confesses to dyeing her hair to Marilla, who is shocked and angry. Marilla punishes Anne by making her stay in her room and miss the picnic, but she is secretly impressed by Anne’s creativity and determination.

Chapter 15: A Tempest in the School Teapot Anne’s rivalry with a classmate named Gilbert Blythe reaches a boiling point when Gilbert pulls her hair and calls her “Carrots.” Anne retaliates by smashing a slate over his head, and they become bitter enemies.

Chapter 16: Diana is Invited to Tea with Tragic Results Anne accidentally gives Diana currant wine instead of raspberry cordial, which makes her sick. Diana’s mother forbids her to play with Anne, which devastates both girls.

Chapter 17: A New Interest in Life Anne discovers a kindred spirit in her new teacher, Miss Stacy, who encourages her love of learning and imagination. Anne also wins a scholarship to attend Queen’s Academy, which is a dream come true for her.

Chapter 18: Anne to the Rescue Anne saves a neighbor’s baby from drowning, which earns her the admiration and respect of the community. She also reconciles with Diana, and their friendship is stronger than ever.

Chapter 19: A Concert, a Catastrophe, and a Confession Anne performs in a school concert, but disaster strikes when she accidentally gives a romantic recitation instead of a patriotic one. She is devastated, but Gilbert Blythe comes to her rescue by taking the blame for the mistake.

Chapter 20: A Good Imagination Gone Wrong Anne gets into trouble when she tells a lie about being invited to a party, which leads to a misunderstanding and hurt feelings. She learns a valuable lesson about the dangers of lying and the importance of honesty.

Chapter 21: A New Departure in Flavorings Anne experiments with making homemade vanilla extract, but things go awry when she accidentally mixes it up with a bottle of raspberry cordial. The resulting raspberry-flavored medicine becomes a hit with the local children.

Chapter 22: Anne is Invited Out to Tea Anne is invited to tea with a rich and sophisticated classmate named Pauline Gibson. She is thrilled to be included in Pauline’s social circle but is disappointed by the shallow and snobbish conversation.

Chapter 23: Anne Comes to Grief in an Affair of Honor Anne and Gilbert get into another argument, this time over a school essay. Gilbert makes a rude comment about Anne’s appearance, and she challenges him to a physical fight. She is humiliated when he easily defeats her.

Chapter 24: Miss Stacy and Her Pupils Get Up a Concert Miss Stacy helps the students prepare for a school concert, which is a great success. Anne performs a dramatic reading of “The Lady of Shalott” and is praised for her talent and stage presence.

Chapter 25: Matthew Insists on Puffed Sleeves Matthew surprises Anne with a gift of puffed sleeves for her dress, which she has long desired. Marilla is initially resistant, but she eventually gives in to Anne’s wishes.

Chapter 26: The Story Club Is Formed Anne and her friends start a story club, where they take turns writing and sharing their own original stories. The club provides an outlet for their creativity and imagination.

Chapter 27: Vanity and Vexation of Spirit Anne becomes obsessed with her appearance and beauty, much to Marilla’s annoyance. She also takes a job as a teacher in a neighboring town, where she learns valuable lessons about responsibility and hard work.

Chapter 28: An Epoch in Anne’s Life Anne’s time as a teacher comes to an end, and she returns home to Green Gables. She reflects on the experiences and lessons she has learned and feels a sense of maturity and growth.

Chapter 29: The Queens Class Is Organized Anne begins her studies at Queen’s Academy and meets a new group of friends, including a boy named Roy Gardner who is smitten with her. She also struggles with the challenge of fitting in and making new connections.

Chapter 30: The Winter at Queen’s Anne spends a challenging but rewarding winter at Queen’s Academy, where she excels in her studies and continues to explore her passions for learning and writing.

Chapter 31: Where the Brook and River Meet Anne returns home to Avonlea for the summer and reunites with her friends and family. She also spends time with Gilbert, who has matured and become a supportive and respectful friend.

Chapter 32: The Pass List Is Out Anne anxiously awaits the results of her exams at Queen’s Academy, and is thrilled when she passes with flying colors. She is also surprised to learn that Gilbert has given up his scholarship to let her attend college.

Chapter 33: The Hotel Concert Anne and her friends attend a concert at a local hotel, where she has a magical experience dancing with Gilbert. She realizes that she has feelings for him, but is unsure if he feels the same way.

Chapter 34: A Queen’s Girl Anne starts her studies at Redmond College, where she meets a new group of friends and faces new challenges and opportunities. She also learns that Gilbert is also attending the college, but they remain distant.

Chapter 35: The Winter at Queen’s Is Over Anne completes her first year at Redmond College and returns home to Avonlea for the summer. She reflects on her experiences and growth over the past year, and looks forward to the future.

Chapter 36: The Glory and the Dream Anne’s second year at Redmond College is filled with new experiences and opportunities. She becomes the editor of the college newspaper, makes new friends, and continues to excel in her studies.

Chapter 37: The Valley of Decision Anne is torn between her dreams of pursuing further education and her sense of duty to her family and community. She considers accepting a job offer as a teacher in a distant town, but ultimately decides to stay in Avonlea and take care of Marilla.

Chapter 38: The Bend in the Road Anne realizes that she has been in love with Gilbert all along, and decides to confess her feelings to him. Gilbert reveals that he has loved her for years, and they finally become engaged.