Anne of Green Gables guide

Summary

Matthew and Marilla Cuthbert, an elderly brother and sister living at Green Gables in Avonlea, arrange to adopt an orphan boy to help Matthew farm. By mistake, eleven-year-old Anne Shirley arrives instead. Imaginative, talkative, and hungry for affection after a difficult childhood, Anne longs for a permanent home. Matthew immediately wants to keep her; Marilla initially intends to return her but relents and undertakes her upbringing.

Anne gradually wins their love while struggling with her temper, vanity, and impulsiveness. She angrily answers Mrs. Rachel Lynde’s criticism of her appearance, then apologizes at Matthew’s urging. When Marilla wrongly accuses her of taking a brooch, Anne invents a confession to escape confinement; Marilla discovers her own mistake and apologizes. Anne’s mishaps include serving wine instead of cordial, flavoring a cake with liniment, dyeing her hair green, breaking her ankle on a dare, and nearly drowning while acting out a poem.

Anne finds a devoted friend in Diana Barry. Their friendship is temporarily forbidden after Anne accidentally makes Diana drunk, but Anne restores Mrs. Barry’s trust by successfully nursing Diana’s younger sister through croup. She also gains affectionate friends in the minister’s wife, Mrs. Allan, and Diana’s aunt, Miss Josephine Barry.

At school, Gilbert Blythe mocks Anne’s red hair, and she strikes him with her slate. Although he repeatedly tries to make peace and later rescues her from the sinking boat, she refuses to forgive him. Their academic rivalry helps drive her studies. Under the encouraging teacher Miss Stacy, Anne becomes more disciplined and prepares to train as a teacher. Matthew supports her quietly, even arranging the fashionable puffed-sleeve dress she has wanted. Marilla grows deeply attached to her and comes to trust her judgment.

Anne and Gilbert tie for first place in the Queen’s entrance examinations. At Queen’s, Anne pursues the Avery scholarship, which would fund four years at Redmond College. She wins it, while Gilbert wins the gold medal. Matthew and Marilla proudly attend her commencement. At home, Matthew assures Anne that he would rather have her than a dozen boys.

Anne’s promising future changes when Matthew dies suddenly after learning that the Abbey Bank has failed. Anne and Marilla grieve together, and Marilla openly tells Anne how much she loves her. Marilla also admits regretting her refusal to forgive Gilbert’s father after a youthful quarrel.

When Marilla learns that her worsening eyesight threatens blindness, she plans to sell Green Gables. Anne gives up her scholarship and university plans so she can remain with Marilla and help preserve their home. Gilbert relinquishes the Avonlea teaching position so Anne can work nearby; he will teach elsewhere. Anne thanks him, finally forgives him, and they become friends. Matthew remains mourned; Marilla keeps her home and Anne’s companionship; Diana remains Anne’s close friend. Anne ends the novel looking forward to teaching, caring for Marilla, continuing her studies independently, and enjoying her friendship with Gilbert.

The ending

After Matthew’s death, Marilla’s threatened blindness leads her to consider selling Green Gables. Anne gives up her scholarship to stay with her, and Gilbert gives Anne the opportunity to teach in Avonlea by surrendering his position there. Anne finally forgives Gilbert, and they become friends. She faces her changed future with hope, planning to care for Marilla and continue studying while keeping Green Gables their home.

Characters

Also appearing

  • Thomas
  • Peter Morrison
  • Lily Jones
  • Jerry Buote
  • Bertha Shirley
  • Walter Shirley
  • Mr. Hammond
  • Mrs. Hammond
  • Mr. Kirke
  • Flora Jane
  • God
  • Miss Rogerson
  • Mr. Harmon Andrews
  • Mrs. Superintendent Bell
  • Prissy
  • Mary Alice Bell
  • Tillie Boulter
  • Minnie
  • Sara Gillis
  • Sophia Sloane
  • Julia Bell
  • Gertie Pye
  • Tommy Sloane
  • Eben Wright
  • Jimmy Glover
  • Alice Andrews
  • Emma White
  • Lizzie Wright
  • Mamie Wilson
  • Mattie Andrews
  • Sam Boulter
  • Mrs. Chester Ross
  • Ella May MacPherson
  • Katie Boulter
  • Timothy Andrews
  • Miranda Sloane
  • Dr. Blair
  • Dr. Spencer
  • Carrie Sloane
  • Sam Sloane
  • Rhoda Murray
  • Arty Gillis
  • Mr. Bentley
  • Mr. Gresham
  • Mr. Marshall
  • Mr. Smith
  • Mr. Terry
  • Samuel Lawson
  • William Blair
  • Jenny Gillis
  • Rob Wright
  • Bessie Wright
  • Malcolm Andres
  • Charlotte Gillis
  • Clara Louise MacPherson
  • Madame Selitsky
  • Myrtle Bell
  • The doctor
  • Spencervale doctor
  • Mr. Gillis
  • Ned Wright
  • Bertha Sampson
  • Laura Spencer
  • Milton Clark
  • Pearl Clay
  • Winnie Adella Blair
  • Billy Andrews
  • Mrs. Evans
  • Titian
  • Emily Gillis
  • Frank Stockley
  • Priscilla Grant
  • Stella Maynard
  • Lewis Wilson
  • Ethel Marr
  • Emily Clay
  • Professor Tremaine
  • Miss Ames
  • Doctor Spencer
  • Mr. Russell
  • Martin
  • John Blythe
  • Mr. Sadler
  • Mr. Blair

Chapter by chapter

Chapter 1: Mrs. Rachel Lynde Is Surprised

Mrs. Rachel Lynde visits Marilla Cuthbert to learn why Matthew has driven out of Avonlea in his best clothes. Marilla explains that they are adopting an orphan boy to help Matthew on the farm. Mrs. Rachel leaves to spread the news, while a girl waits at Bright River station.

Chapter 2: Matthew Cuthbert Is Surprised

Matthew Cuthbert goes to Bright River station for an orphan boy and finds a girl instead. He brings her to Green Gables and grows attached to her as she talks eagerly about having a home. They enter the house with the girl still unaware that Matthew and Marilla wanted a boy.

Chapter 3: Marilla Cuthbert Is Surprised

Marilla tells Matthew that they requested a boy, and Anne Shirley cries when she realizes she is unwanted. Matthew argues that they could help Anne and suggests hiring a boy for the farm work. Marilla insists on sending Anne back, and Anne cries herself to sleep.

Chapter 4: Morning at Green Gables

Anne admires the trees and gardens at Green Gables despite remembering that she cannot stay. Marilla begins to find Anne interesting but takes her to White Sands to arrange her return. As they leave, Matthew announces that he has offered Jerry Buote summer work on the farm.

Chapter 5: Anne’s History

During the drive to White Sands, Anne tells Marilla about her parents and her difficult childhood. Marilla grows sympathetic and begins to consider letting Anne stay. Anne enjoys the coast but dreads reaching Mrs. Spencer's house.

Chapter 6: Marilla Makes Up Her Mind

Mrs. Spencer explains the mistaken message and suggests giving Anne to Mrs. Peter Blewett. Marilla dislikes that prospect, brings Anne home, and agrees with Matthew that they will keep her. Marilla plans to raise Anne herself and waits until morning to tell her she can stay.

Chapter 7: Anne Says Her Prayers

Marilla tells Anne to keep her clothes tidy and say her prayers, then discovers that Anne has never prayed. Anne makes up a prayer asking to stay at Green Gables and grow up good-looking. Marilla decides to teach Anne religion and send her to Sunday school when she has suitable clothes.

Chapter 8: Anne’s Bringing-up Is Begun

Marilla tells Anne that she and Matthew have decided to keep her at Green Gables. Anne cries with happiness and promises to try to be good. Alone in her room, Anne delights in having a home and hopes Diana Barry will become her close friend.

Chapter 9: Mrs. Rachel Lynde Is Properly Horrified

Mrs. Rachel Lynde visits Green Gables, and Anne angrily answers her hurtful remarks about Anne's appearance. Marilla orders Anne to apologize and confines her to her room until she agrees. Anne refuses because she is not sorry, while Marilla struggles with both anger and amusement at the quarrel.

Chapter 10: Anne’s Apology

Matthew privately urges Anne to apologize to Mrs. Lynde. Anne makes her apology and receives Mrs. Lynde's forgiveness, ending her confinement. Walking home with Marilla, Anne expresses her love for Green Gables, and Marilla feels growing affection for her.

Chapter 11: Anne’s Impressions of Sunday-school

Marilla gives Anne three plain dresses, disappointing Anne's wish for puffed sleeves. Anne attends Sunday school and church without Marilla, then reports her frank opinions of the teacher, prayers, and sermon. Marilla feels she should rebuke Anne but privately agrees with some of her criticisms.

Chapter 12: A Solemn Vow and Promise

Marilla scolds Anne for wearing flowers on her church hat, then takes her to meet Diana Barry. Anne and Diana become friends, and Matthew gives Anne chocolates that she plans to share with Diana. Marilla admits to Matthew that she is growing fond of Anne and is glad they kept her.

Chapter 13: The Delights of Anticipation

Anne asks to attend the Sunday-school picnic, and Marilla agrees to let her go and prepare her food basket. Anne kisses Marilla in thanks, and Marilla is secretly pleased by her affection. Anne eagerly anticipates the picnic and admires Marilla’s treasured amethyst brooch.

Chapter 14: Anne’s Confession

Marilla cannot find her brooch and confines Anne to her room until she confesses to taking it. Anne invents a confession hoping to attend the picnic, but Marilla keeps her home until she finds the brooch caught on her own shawl. Marilla admits her mistake and sends Anne to the picnic, from which Anne returns happy.

Chapter 15: A Tempest in the School Teapot

Anne enjoys walking to school with Diana, but she strikes Gilbert Blythe with her slate after he calls her Carrots. Mr. Phillips later makes Anne sit beside Gilbert as punishment for returning late, and Anne refuses to return to school. Marilla lets Anne study at home, where Anne remains devoted to Diana and refuses Gilbert’s attempts to make peace.

Chapter 16: Diana Is Invited to Tea with Tragic Results

Anne invites Diana to tea while Marilla is away and accidentally serves her currant wine instead of raspberry cordial. Diana becomes drunk, and Mrs. Barry forbids her to play with Anne despite Marilla’s explanation and Anne’s appeal. Anne cries herself to sleep, and Marilla quietly kisses her.

Chapter 17: A New Interest in Life

Anne and Diana say goodbye under Mrs. Barry’s ban, and Diana assures Anne that she loves her. Anne returns to school to be near Diana and becomes Gilbert Blythe’s determined academic rival. Anne and Gilbert advance to the fifth class, but Anne struggles with geometry and still refuses to forgive him.

Chapter 18: Anne to the Rescue

While Marilla and many neighbors attend a political meeting, Diana summons Anne because Minnie May is seriously ill with croup. Anne nurses Minnie May while Matthew fetches a doctor, and her success persuades Mrs. Barry to apologize and restore the girls’ friendship. Anne enjoys a welcoming visit to Diana’s home and returns grateful and happy.

Chapter 19: A Concert, a Catastrophe, and a Confession

Anne attends a concert with Diana and accidentally jumps into a bed occupied by Diana's aunt, Miss Barry. Anne apologizes and persuades Miss Barry to forgive Diana and stay for her planned visit. Miss Barry becomes Anne's friend and invites her to visit in town.

Chapter 20: A Good Imagination Gone Wrong

Anne enjoys spring flowers and invents ghost stories with Diana about a nearby grove. When Anne becomes afraid to cross the grove after dark, Marilla makes her go through it to borrow an apron pattern. Anne returns safely and says she will be content with ordinary places.

Chapter 21: A New Departure in Flavorings

After Mr. Phillips leaves the school, Anne welcomes the new minister and his wife and makes a cake for their visit. Anne accidentally flavors the cake with liniment, but Mrs. Allan comforts her and appreciates her effort. Anne feels hopeful about having another day to learn from her mistakes, and Marilla tells her to give the cake to the pigs.

Chapter 22: Anne Is Invited Out to Tea

Anne accepts Mrs. Allan's invitation to tea at the manse and enjoys the visit. Mrs. Allan asks Anne to join the Sunday-school choir and encourages her by admitting that she also struggled with geometry. Anne returns home happy and eager to meet the newly hired teacher, Miss Muriel Stacy.

Chapter 23: Anne Comes to Grief in an Affair of Honor

Anne accepts Josie Pye's dare to walk a roof's ridgepole, falls, and breaks her ankle. Her injury keeps her home while Diana and other visitors bring company and news of Miss Stacy's teaching. Anne looks forward to returning to school and believes she will like Miss Stacy.

Chapter 24: Miss Stacy and Her Pupils Get Up a Concert

Anne returns to school in October and thrives under Miss Stacy's teaching. She eagerly prepares for the school concert, although Marilla worries that rehearsals are distracting her from other work. Anne turns to Matthew, who listens warmly and assures her that she will perform well.

Chapter 25: Matthew Insists on Puffed Sleeves

Matthew notices that Anne lacks the pretty clothes her schoolmates wear and arranges for Mrs. Lynde to make her a dress with puffed sleeves. Anne performs well at the Christmas concert, making Matthew and Marilla proud. Matthew and Marilla begin considering sending Anne to Queen’s when she is older.

Chapter 26: The Story Club Is Formed

Anne finds ordinary life dull after the concert but gradually returns to schoolwork and time with Diana. Anne turns thirteen and forms a story club with her friends, whose tragic stories amuse Miss Josephine Barry. Anne hopes to become good like Mrs. Allan, while Marilla reminds her to finish washing the dishes.

Chapter 27: Vanity and Vexation of Spirit

Marilla returns home to find that Anne has neglected the fire and tea because an attempt to dye her hair has turned it green. Anne’s hair must be cut short, and she accepts the embarrassment as punishment for her vanity. Anne resolves to be good, while Marilla admits that her headaches are worsening and shows that she enjoys Anne’s chatter.

Chapter 28: An Unfortunate Lily Maid

Anne plays Elaine in a boat while Diana, Ruby Gillis, and Jane Andrews act out the poem with her. The boat sinks, and Gilbert rescues Anne, but she refuses his offer of friendship. Anne vows to become less romantic after the accident, while Matthew quietly urges her to keep some romance.

Chapter 29: An Epoch in Anne’s Life

Miss Josephine Barry invites Anne and Diana to visit her in town for the Exhibition. Anne enjoys the visit, and Miss Barry finds that Anne makes her happier. Anne returns to a warm welcome from Marilla and Matthew and decides that coming home was the best part.

Chapter 30: The Queen’s Class Is Organized

Miss Stacy proposes that Anne join a class preparing for the Queen’s entrance examination, and Marilla agrees. Anne studies toward becoming a teacher and grows more dependable as she matures. Marilla tells Mrs. Lynde that she trusts Anne, and Mrs. Lynde admits that her first judgment of Anne was wrong.

Chapter 31: Where the Brook and River Meet

Anne spends the summer outdoors with Diana on a doctor's advice and returns to her studies with fresh energy. Miss Stacy teaches Anne to criticize her own writing and prepares her for the entrance examinations. Anne studies hard but fears that she will fail, especially if Gilbert passes.

Chapter 32: The Pass List Is Out

Anne and Diana mourn Miss Stacy's departure, and Anne goes to town to take the entrance examinations. Anne passes and shares first place on the Island with Gilbert. Matthew, Marilla, and Mrs. Lynde express their pride, and Anne ends the day grateful and hopeful.

Chapter 33: The Hotel Concert

Diana helps Anne dress for a hospital benefit concert at the White Sands Hotel, where Anne is to recite. Anne receives praise, and Diana reports that an artist admired Anne's red hair and wanted to paint her. As Jane admires the wealthy guests' diamonds, Anne says she is content with herself and the pearl beads Matthew gave her.

Chapter 34: A Queen’s Girl

Matthew and Marilla help Anne prepare for Queen's, and Anne reassures Marilla that leaving home will not change her love for Green Gables. At Queen's, Josie tells Anne about the Avery scholarship, which pays for four years at Redmond College. Anne resolves to work for the scholarship and begins imagining a university education.

Chapter 35: The Winter at Queen’s

Anne settles into life at Queen's and enjoys weekend visits home, while wishing she and Gilbert could share their thoughts as friends. As examinations approach, Anne works toward the Avery scholarship and comes to value the effort even if she does not win. While Jane, Josie, and Ruby discuss examinations and clothes, Anne looks forward to the possibilities ahead.

Chapter 36: The Glory and the Dream

Anne wins the Avery scholarship, Gilbert wins the gold medal, and Matthew and Marilla attend Anne's commencement with pride. Back at Green Gables, Anne worries about Matthew's hard work and wishes she could help him as a boy might. Matthew tells Anne he would rather have her than a dozen boys, and she ends the night remembering his love and dreaming of her future before sorrow comes.

Chapter 37: The Reaper Whose Name Is Death

Matthew dies suddenly after reading that the Abbey Bank has failed, and Anne and Marilla grieve for him. Anne gradually finds comfort, while Marilla tells her how much she loves her. Marilla recalls refusing to forgive John Blythe after a quarrel and tells Anne she has always regretted losing him.

Chapter 38: The Bend in the Road

Marilla learns that her failing eyesight threatens blindness and plans to sell Green Gables, but Anne gives up her scholarship to stay and help her. Gilbert gives up the Avonlea school so Anne can teach near home, and Anne thanks him and ends their quarrel. Anne looks forward to caring for Marilla, continuing her studies, and enjoying her new friendship with Gilbert.

Storylines

  • Rachel opposes the Cuthberts' adoption plan and warns Marilla of dangers; Marilla maintains the decision but is left with renewed doubts and fears.

    • Rachel's disapproval persists after the decision to keep Anne, while Marilla defends Anne against her criticism, straining their relationship.
    • Rachel's favorable response to Anne leads her to revise her adverse opinion of the Cuthberts keeping her.
  • Matthew and Marilla arrange for Spencer to select a smart, Canadian-born orphan boy aged ten or eleven, whom they will provide with a home and schooling.

    • Spencer has delivered Anne rather than the requested boy, and the discrepancy remains unexplained.
    • Marilla discovers that a girl was sent, and Anne reports that Spencer believed a girl was wanted. The requested boy has not been provided, and Marilla plans to investigate.
    • The mistaken request is clarified, and the plan to obtain a boy is superseded by Marilla's decision to keep Anne.
  • Marilla yields to Matthew's determination to adopt despite her reservations, while setting conditions on the child's selection.

    • Their adoption disagreement shifts to whether Anne should stay. Matthew favors keeping her but leaves the decision to Marilla, who intends to return her.
    • Marilla consents to keeping Anne, and Matthew accepts her authority over Anne's upbringing.
    • Matthew firmly advocates allowing Anne's outing, and Marilla yields by withdrawing her prohibition.
  • Matthew intends to meet the expected boy at Bright River following Spencer's telegram announcing arrival on the five-thirty train.

    • Matthew reaches Bright River after the train has departed and finds that the child left for him is a girl; he cannot meet the expected boy.
    • The expected boy is established as a mistaken expectation, and accepting Anne ends the outstanding purpose of meeting him.
  • Rachel intends to visit Robert Bell's and spread the news of the Cuthberts' adoption.

  • Anne expects a permanent home with the Cuthberts, but they requested a boy; Matthew anticipates that discovering the mistake will disappoint her.

    • Anne learns she was not expected and falls into despair. Marilla intends to return her, while Matthew favors keeping her.
    • Marilla first acknowledges that Anne might stay and then accepts her into the household, ending the obstacle posed by the request for a boy.
  • Matthew knows Anne was sent in place of the requested boy but withholds this from her; Anne continues to believe she is the expected child.

    • Anne learns that her arrival is a mistake, ending Matthew's concealment from her.
  • Matthew decides to bring Anne home before addressing the mistake and leave its disclosure to Marilla.

    • Matthew brings Anne home, where Marilla discovers the mistake and Anne learns that the Cuthberts expected a boy.
  • Anne hopes to make Green Gables her home and regards arrival there as the fulfillment of that hope.

    • Anne's expectation of a permanent home is shattered; her shelter is temporary, and Marilla plans to send her back.
    • Anne sustains her wish to stay through imagination, but knows she is unwanted because she is not a boy. Expecting to leave, she avoids going outdoors to limit her attachment, then departs with Marilla.
    • Anne's hope is fulfilled by the decision to keep her, although she has not yet been told.
  • Matthew enjoys Anne's company, while his welcome encourages Anne to trust that they will get along; his attachment includes concern about hurting her.

    • Matthew's attachment develops into support for keeping Anne, including an appeal to the companionship she could provide.
    • Anne explicitly feels an immediate affinity with Matthew as a kindred spirit, strengthening her side of their attachment.
    • Matthew's relief at Anne's return, delight at her acceptance and intention to secure kind treatment deepen his protective attachment.
    • Anne shares her discoveries with Matthew, and his affection for her is reaffirmed.
    • Matthew's concern and pity prompt a private intervention; Anne accepts his persuasion and agrees to protect his confidence.
    • Matthew remembers Anne's liking for chocolate sweets and brings her a gift, increasing her happiness.
    • Matthew undertakes all the chores so Anne can recover her lost sleep, expressing his attachment through practical care.
    • Matthew intervenes to secure an anticipated pleasure for Anne, who overhears the resulting permission.
    • Anne shares her school interests and concert plans with Matthew and promises him a recitation, sustaining their companionship.
    • Matthew notices Anne's unmet wish, acts to fulfill it, openly expresses pride in her performance and begins planning her further education; Anne responds with joy and gratitude.
    • Matthew urges Marilla to suspend judgment until Anne's apparent disobedience is established.
    • Matthew continues providing for Anne's pleasure and comfort through clothing gifts, and she shares the full account of her visit with him.
    • Matthew takes intense pride in Anne's invitation and gives her pearl beads; Anne's concern for his happiness motivates her to accept the encore.
    • Matthew's death ends their living companionship; Anne expresses her enduring attachment through flowers and a rose planted at his grave.
  • Marilla will shelter Anne temporarily, consult Spencer the next day about the mistake, and send Anne back to the asylum.

    • Marilla arranges transport and leaves with Anne for White Sands to consult Mrs. Spencer about Anne's future. The consultation and proposed return to the asylum have not yet occurred.
    • Marilla takes Anne toward Mrs. Spencer's to address the mistake, but begins reconsidering the intended return to the asylum.
    • Marilla consults Spencer and learns how the mistake arose, but ultimately abandons returning Anne and agrees to keep her.
  • Anne asks Marilla to recognize her preferred name; Marilla agrees to Anne with an E, and Anne agrees to try to accept that instead of Cordelia.

  • Matthew favors keeping Anne and proposes hired farm help and her companionship as reasons, while Marilla intends to return her; Matthew leaves the decision to Marilla.

    • Marilla interprets Matthew's departing look as renewed insistence that Anne stay, while their disagreement remains largely unspoken. Matthew tentatively pursues hiring Jerry Buote, consistent with his proposed alternative to adopting a boy for farm work.
    • Understanding Anne's neglected childhood moves Marilla to consider keeping her in accordance with Matthew's wish; no final decision is made.
    • After postponing placement to consult Matthew, Marilla agrees that Anne should remain.
  • Marilla begins to find Anne interesting, anticipates her conversation, and recognizes her competence at household work.

    • Anne's account and her embarrassment about her caregivers lead Marilla to recognize the hardship behind her guarded answers and feel pity for her.
    • Marilla's growing concern becomes protective action and a commitment to accept and raise Anne.
    • Marilla recognizes Anne's capability alongside her distractibility, commits to doing right by her, and gains a fuller understanding of her imaginative attachments and intentions.
    • Marilla's affection develops into a defense of Anne against Rachel, and her memory of a similar childhood insult gives her grounds to understand Anne's hurt.
    • Marilla recognizes Anne's sincerity, finds her amusing, and experiences maternal tenderness toward her.
    • Marilla regrets making Anne cry, reassures her that she will not be sent back, and has developed affection for her.
    • Marilla's promise to provide picnic food prompts Anne's grateful kiss, which gives Marilla unexpected sweetness and private pleasure.
    • Marilla feels pity despite her suspicions, recognizes her own wrongdoing, and offers reciprocal forgiveness and a fresh start.
    • Marilla recognizes the mistake behind Diana's intoxication, advocates for Anne with Mrs. Barry, and discovers the depth of Anne's grief.
    • Anne's injury makes Marilla recognize that Anne is dearer to her than anything else; her relief and care deepen their attachment.
    • Marilla takes pride in Anne's achievement, revises her opposition to the concert and begins considering further education as Anne grows.
    • Marilla resents Rachel's criticism of Anne and welcomes Mrs. Allan's defense of her.
    • Marilla prepares Anne's favorite food and explicitly admits how intensely she missed her; Anne identifies returning home as the best part of the visit.
    • Marilla's attachment has become deep love and comprehensive trust, expressed in her commitment to Anne's care and education.
    • Marilla's fear for Anne's health, expanded permission for recreation and social outings, and grief at her approaching departure deepen the evidence of her attachment.
    • Marilla acquiesces in furnishing Anne's room, feels concealed pride in her invitation and appearance, regrets missing her recital, and worries about damage to her dress.
    • Marilla accepts Anne's care with renewed hope, promises to repay her sacrifice, and is recognized by Rachel as having mellowed.
  • Matthew tentatively proposes hiring Jerry Buote for the summer, developing the hired-help alternative he raised in support of keeping Anne.

  • Anne resolves to enjoy the drive by excluding thoughts of returning to the asylum.

  • Mrs. Spencer proposes placing Anne with Mrs. Blewett, who wants to take her home immediately as a working helper.

    • The Cuthberts' decision to keep Anne supersedes the proposed placement with Mrs. Blewett.
  • Marilla's knowledge of Mrs. Blewett's harshness and Anne's fear make the proposed placement troubling; Marilla refuses to hand Anne over immediately.

    • Permission to remain at Green Gables removes the threatened placement with Mrs. Blewett.
  • Anne intends to meet Marilla's wishes if she is allowed to stay at Green Gables.

    • Anne commits to folding her clothes neatly and cooperates with Marilla's instruction in prayer, gaining a clear conscience after praying.
    • After learning she may stay, Anne renews her promise to try to be good and completes the assigned prayer memorization, although attention to tasks remains difficult.
    • Anne refuses Marilla's explicit demand that she ask Rachel's forgiveness, placing her hurt and anger above her intention to meet Marilla's wishes.
    • Anne overcomes her refusal to apologize, performs the required apology, and later complies with Marilla's request for silence.
    • Anne feels remorse and distress on learning that her decorated hat displeased Marilla.
    • Anne renews her commitment to good conduct and learning, although she refuses Marilla's demand for school attendance.
    • Anne returns within Marilla's ten-minute limit and later declines Josephine's invitation to stay because she must return home.
    • Anne tries to help Marilla, renews her resolve to behave well, and completes the required errand through the feared grove.
    • Gratitude for her gifts renews Anne's determination to behave well.
    • Anne explicitly resolves to devote her energies to goodness and become a credit to Marilla.
    • Anne commits to diligent study and a teaching career that will bring credit to her guardians.
  • Marilla takes charge of raising Anne and training her to be useful; Matthew agrees to her management while intending to secure kind treatment without spoiling Anne.

    • Marilla begins directing Anne's habits and religious education, adapting her instruction when the conventional child's prayer proves unsuitable.
    • Marilla begins exercising sustained responsibility for Anne's conduct, work, schooling and religious instruction, making her continued residence conditional on good behavior.
    • Marilla exercises responsibility for Anne's upbringing by reprimanding her, choosing a punishment other than whipping, and requiring an apology under continued confinement.
    • Marilla maintains the disciplinary requirement and carries it through to an apology, while Matthew privately helps Anne comply. Anne's enjoyment of the apology complicates Marilla's confidence in the punishment.
    • Marilla provides Anne with clothing and directs its upkeep, her lessons, her conduct and her participation in church.
    • Marilla continues setting limits, forbidding another flower-decorated hat, while reassuring Anne of her home and permitting her to enjoy Matthew's sweets.
    • Marilla continues Anne's practical training through assigned patchwork, uses additional sewing to steady her excitement, and plans future cooking lessons.
    • Marilla reaffirms responsibility for Anne despite doubts, while Matthew urges leniency; Marilla learns that her disciplinary method produced a false confession.
    • Marilla continues directing Anne's education and conduct, but resistance leads her to suspend argument and seek Rachel's advice.
    • Marilla continues Anne's household training through supper duties, instructions for entertaining Diana, cooking lessons, and correction after the sauce incident.
    • Anne takes household responsibility during Marilla's illness; Marilla continues her practical correction and requires her to confront the grove she fears.
    • Marilla gives Anne responsibility for baking and decorating, identifies the cause of her cooking mistake, and directs disposal of the spoiled cake.
    • Marilla continues trying to train Anne into a calm, demure girl, while recognizing how little her efforts have changed Anne's temperament.
    • Marilla and Matthew extend their responsibility for Anne to supporting further education, and Marilla now trusts her comprehensively.
  • Marilla and Matthew know Anne will stay, but Marilla withholds the decision from Anne overnight to prevent sleepless excitement.

    • Marilla tells Anne that she and Matthew have decided Anne may stay.
  • Marilla undertakes Anne's religious education, planning to teach her a prayer tomorrow, borrow the Peep of the Day series, and send her to Sunday-school once suitable clothes are made.

    • Marilla begins formal prayer instruction, corrects Anne's religious language, and secures her memorization of the Lord's Prayer. The book borrowing and Sunday-school arrangements remain unfulfilled in these events.
    • Anne receives suitable clothes and a quarterly and begins Sunday-school. Marilla's headache prevents her accompanying Anne, but religious instruction proceeds and includes an assignment for the next Sunday.
    • Anne's religious education continues under Mrs. Allan, whose teaching welcomes questions and whose example inspires Anne to want to become a Christian.
  • Anne agrees to learn to pray, promises her best effort, and intends to devise a regular prayer.

    • Anne composes but forgets her own prayer, then completes memorization of the Lord's Prayer and expresses appreciation for learning it; a continuing prayer practice is not yet established.
    • Anne puts prayer into practice by requesting a desired dress and spontaneously thanking God for the beauty she sees.
    • After finding a bosom friend, Anne promises to say her prayers willingly.
    • Anne describes her efforts to make her private prayers interesting, showing continued personal practice.
    • Anne briefly refuses her prayers in anger over denied concert permission, then repents and says them.
  • Anne's absorption in imagination interrupts assigned work, while Marilla requires prompt attention and obedience.

    • Anne turns the required apology into an imaginative pleasure, unsettling Marilla's disciplinary purpose; later she uses imagination to support compliance with the request for silence.
    • Anne's imaginative absorption and forgetfulness disrupt practical duties again, culminating in the contaminated sauce being brought to dinner and Marilla scolding her.
    • Household mistakes and fear generated by invented hauntings renew the clash between Anne's imagination and practical obedience; she regrets these consequences and promises restraint.
    • Anne recognizes that imagination makes her neglect duties, but Marilla must again require her to finish the dishes before talking.
    • Anne's distress over her dyed hair leaves Marilla's household instructions unfulfilled; Marilla returns to an extinguished fire and no prepared tea and intends to discipline her.
  • Marilla plans to send Anne to school when it reopens in September.

    • Anne begins attending school, fulfilling the initial arrangement, but subsequently refuses to return under Phillips; Rachel advises allowing her to remain home.
    • Anne decides to return in order to see Diana and resumes attending school.
  • Anne seeks an explicitly familial relationship with Marilla, but Marilla refuses the title Aunt Marilla and requires respectful use of her own name.

    • Anne's attachment to Green Gables as her first true home accompanies the awakening of maternal tenderness in Marilla, deepening their familial bond without changing the naming restriction.
    • Anne responds to Marilla's disclosed attachment by promising enduring and growing love for her, Matthew and Green Gables.
    • Marilla comforts Anne and explicitly acknowledges loving her as her own child, fulfilling the emotional substance of the familial recognition Anne sought.
    • Anne assumes lasting responsibility for Marilla, who accepts their shared future and expresses reciprocal commitment.
  • Anne's imaginative familiarity with religious subjects conflicts with Marilla's standards of reverence, although Marilla accepts that Anne intends no irreverence.

    • Anne openly criticizes prayers and sermons. Marilla feels obliged to correct her religious speech but privately agrees with the criticisms, complicating her enforcement of reverence.
  • Anne resolves to furnish her room permanently in imagination.

  • Anne commits to remembering her former imaginary companions Katie Maurice and Violetta and sending them kisses daily.

  • Rachel's insults to Anne's appearance provoke hurt and open hostility; Anne intends never to forgive her and wants to hurt her feelings in return.

    • Anne's anger gives way to remorse, apology, and goodwill; Rachel forgives her, and Anne explicitly loses her remaining hard feelings.
  • Marilla's criticism of Rachel and defense of Anne offend Rachel, who resolves to guard her speech and avoid another visit soon.

  • Marilla requires Anne to apologize and ask Rachel's forgiveness, but Anne refuses; Marilla confines her to her room until she agrees.

    • Despite renewing her determination to resist, Anne yields to Matthew's persuasion, leaves confinement to apologize, and receives Rachel's forgiveness.
  • Anne promises to conceal Matthew's intervention in persuading her to apologize, leaving Marilla unaware of his role in her submission.

  • Anne and Rachel establish mutual goodwill: Rachel forgives and comes to like Anne, while Anne abandons her resentment and regards Rachel as a benefactor.

    • Rachel helps fulfill Anne's wish by making the fashionable dress and contributes a matching ribbon of her own.
    • Rachel's Exhibition success prompts Anne to recognize how much she likes her.
    • Rachel explicitly recognizes Anne's ability and improvement and retracts her prediction that Marilla would regret adopting her.
  • Anne wants fashionable dresses with puffed sleeves, but Marilla insists on plain, practical clothing; Anne's attempts to compensate through imagination fail to relieve her misery among fashionably dressed classmates.

    • Comparison with Diana's clothes renews Anne's disappointment, although imagination and Diana's reassurance help her bear it.
    • Anne receives the puffed-sleeved dress she longed for, ending this deprivation; wearing it gives her courage at the concert, although Marilla's general preference for practical clothing is not shown to change.
  • Anne enters Sunday-school with a reputation for strangeness among the Avonlea girls, shaped by Rachel's account of her temper and Jerry Buote's account of her solitary conversations.

  • Anne finds Miss Rogerson unsympathetic to her interests and withholds her questions; Miss Rogerson rejects her proposed recitation and assigns a religious paraphrase instead.

    • Mrs. Allan replaces Miss Rogerson as Anne's Sunday-school teacher and explicitly permits questions, ending the restrictive teaching arrangement.
  • Anne commits to practicing the nineteenth paraphrase for recitation at Sunday-school the following Sunday, attracted by its martial lines.

  • Anne and Diana become bosom friends and pledge lifelong fidelity; Anne intends to share half her sweets with Diana.

    • Anne and Diana develop their friendship through naming and furnishing their shared playhouse and lending a book.
    • Anne and Diana sustain their companionship; Diana tries to persuade Anne to return to school and reconcile with Gilbert, while Anne grieves an imagined future separation from Diana.
    • Their friendship and Anne's declared loyalty persist, but Mrs. Barry's prohibition prevents their companionship, and attempts to remove it fail.
    • The prohibition still prevents ordinary companionship, but both girls renew their lifelong fidelity and sustain their attachment through keepsakes and correspondence; Diana explains that her apparent neglect obeys her mother's orders.
    • The emergency reunites Anne and Diana in shared action; Mrs. Barry restores permission for their friendship, and they renew their intimacy through a shared secret, a token of enduring love and plans to sit together.
    • Their private signals and Diana's reassurance deepen their companionship; Diana refuses to shift blame onto Anne, and Anne accepts responsibility to repair the harm to Diana.
    • Anne and Diana continue their companionship through shared exploration and jointly invented hauntings.
    • Diana tries to protect Anne from the dangerous attempt and visits daily during recovery; Anne designates Diana to receive her pearl bead ring if she dies.
    • The friends consider an unmarried life together; Anne's distress at their separation for extra lessons reveals the strength of the bond, and they have a shared outing promised.
    • Diana devotes care and her only white rose to Anne's appearance, tries to set aside sadness about their impending separation, and shares Anne's performance anxiety and subsequent social welcome.
    • Their farewell accompanies Anne's promise that no Queen's girl will become as dear to her as Diana.
    • Their reunion brings Anne happiness, and she reassures Diana that she loves her most after Josie leads Diana to believe Stella has displaced her.
    • Diana offers companionship during Anne's bereavement, respects her need for solitude and remains a source of pleasure and anticipated company.
  • Anne and Diana promise to spend the next afternoon together and plan shared activities: building a playhouse, gathering shells, sharing a book, seeing rice lilies, learning a song and giving Anne a picture.

    • The girls carry out parts of their planned activities by establishing and furnishing their playhouse and sharing Diana's book; the other promised activities are not confirmed.
  • Anne and Diana agree to call the spring the Dryad's Bubble.

  • Anne wants to attend the Sunday-school picnic and enjoy its ice cream; Marilla grants permission and promises food for her basket, but Anne fears rain will prevent it.

    • Picnic attendance is first refused and then imposed as a punishment, but Marilla reverses the exclusion after discovering her mistake; Anne attends and enjoys the picnic and ice cream.
  • Marilla intends to teach Anne cooking when Anne becomes steadier.

    • Marilla has begun teaching Anne to cook; Anne's flourless cake exposes difficulties in carrying out the lessons.
    • Anne receives permission to make a layer cake and successfully bakes it, but mistakes liniment in a reused vanilla bottle for flavoring.
  • Matthew plans to make a table for Anne and Diana's playhouse.

  • Anne seeks permission to hold Marilla's amethyst brooch, which she admires.

    • Anne handles and wears the brooch without permission, then accepts that this was wrong and promises not to repeat it; permission remains ungranted.
  • Marilla wrongly believes Anne took and lost the brooch and confines her until she confesses; finding the brooch exposes the mistake, and Marilla acknowledges that her coercion caused Anne's false confession.

  • Anne promises never again to enter Marilla's room and handle her belongings without permission.

    • Anne reports that she has given up meddling with other people's belongings, reinforcing her earlier promise.
  • Anne invents and memorizes a confession to obtain release from confinement and attend the picnic.

  • Anne knows her confession is invented while Marilla accepts it as a truthful account of the brooch's loss.

  • Phillips publicly humiliates Anne and singles her out for lateness, culminating in her refusal to attend school under him.

    • Anne ends her refusal to attend under Phillips, returns to school and establishes a satisfactory relationship with him.
  • Anne gains acceptance and support among her schoolmates through gifts, loans, compliments and their sympathy in her dispute with Phillips.

    • Diana reports that Anne's schoolmates miss her, reinforcing evidence of her acceptance among them despite her absence.
    • Her classmates welcome her with gifts, offers and affectionate attention, strengthening her sense of acceptance.
    • The girls' concern, daily visits, gifts and news demonstrate sustained friendship, which Anne explicitly recognizes; even Josie receives a polite welcome.
    • Anne gains further standing through recognition as the concert's outstanding performer.
  • Gilbert's mockery of Anne's red hair provokes her to strike him; she refuses forgiveness despite his apology, gift and subsequent efforts, and Diana's mediation.

    • Anne avoids discussion of Gilbert by redirecting Diana toward the promised drink, sustaining her refusal to engage with him.
    • Anne rejects the apple she attributes to Gilbert, continues to resent his friendly gestures and channels her antagonism into academic competition.
    • When Diana reports Gilbert's attention during his recitation, Anne forbids further discussion of him, maintaining her rejection.
    • Gilbert keeps Anne's fallen rose, and Diana tells Anne, adding another sign of his attachment without any recorded reconciliation.
    • Gilbert rescues Anne and again offers friendship and an apology. Despite a new attraction, Anne refuses; Gilbert vows never to ask again. Anne regrets her rejection but reaffirms her refusal to speak to him.
    • Anne's original resentment ends and she inwardly forgives Gilbert, although his withdrawal leaves their personal estrangement unresolved.
  • Marilla orders Anne to return to school, but Anne persists in refusing; Marilla suspends the argument and receives Rachel's advice to let Anne stay home without pressing her return.

    • Anne voluntarily resumes school, ending the dispute with Marilla over attendance.
  • Anne promises to study at home, behave well and try to restrain her speech while refusing school attendance.

    • Anne abandons the home-study arrangement by returning to school and redirects her promise of good conduct toward becoming a model pupil.
  • Mrs. Barry wrongly believes Anne deliberately intoxicated Diana and forbids their companionship; she rejects Marilla's explanation and interprets Anne's appeal as mockery.

    • Mrs. Barry maintains the prohibition, permits only a ten-minute farewell and requires Diana to withhold recognition at school.
    • After learning that Anne saved Minnie May, Mrs. Barry recognizes that Diana's intoxication was unintentional, apologizes and welcomes Anne freely; Anne forgives her.
  • Anne seeks Mrs. Barry's forgiveness and permission to resume seeing Diana, but both Marilla's intervention and her own appeal fail.

    • Anne learns that Mrs. Barry has not relented; the limited farewell and continued prohibition leave reconciliation unavailable.
    • Anne obtains Mrs. Barry's forgiveness and permission to resume seeing Diana, followed by an affectionate reconciliation and an open invitation.
  • Anne seeks a final farewell to Diana, but Diana's absence prevents it.

    • Anne and Diana obtain their farewell at the spring, exchange pledges and part with Diana's curl as a keepsake.
  • Anne intends to sew Diana's curl into a bag, wear it throughout her life and be buried with it; she also resolves to preserve Diana's bookmark and sleep with her letter under her pillow.

  • Anne studies intensely to prevent Gilbert from surpassing her academically; their alternating victories establish an ongoing rivalry.

    • Gilbert outperforms Anne in spelling and mental arithmetic, continuing their academic rivalry, though anticipation of the outing softens her humiliation.
    • Anne and Gilbert compete openly in the Queen's preparatory class, with Gilbert determined to finish first; spring temporarily diminishes both pupils' enthusiasm.
    • Anne's examination nightmares specifically imagine Gilbert passing while she fails, showing that their academic rivalry continues to shape her fears.
    • Anne repeatedly renews her determination to surpass Gilbert, but they finish tied for first in the Entrance examination.
    • Gilbert joins Anne in Second Year work, and Anne takes pleasure in the prospect of continuing their academic rivalry.
    • Anne and Gilbert remain academic rivals, but Anne now seeks the satisfaction of earning victory over a worthy opponent rather than chiefly defeating Gilbert.
    • Gilbert wins the medal, initially making Anne believe she has failed, but Anne wins the Avery scholarship and receives distinction for her essay.
  • Anne struggles with geometry and feels humiliated by her difficulty and Phillips's judgment of her ability.

    • Anne confides her difficulties with geometry to Mrs. Allan and gains encouragement from learning that Mrs. Allan struggled with it too; the difficulty itself remains.
    • Miss Stacy's teaching enables Anne to begin understanding geometry, easing her difficulty.
  • Anne resolves to finish her lessons before reading Jane's book, using a locked cupboard with Matthew holding the key to resist temptation.

  • Anne undertakes to save Minnie May from severe croup, directing Diana and Mary Joe in treatment while Matthew seeks a doctor; her care succeeds.

  • Anne and Diana share a new fancy crochet stitch and pledge to keep it secret.

  • Anne and Diana plan to ask Phillips to seat them together again.

    • Anne returns to school seated beside Diana, achieving the intended seating arrangement.
  • Anne resolves to treat little girls as grown-ups and never ridicule their use of big words.

  • Anne plans a special new prayer to celebrate her reconciliation with the Barrys.

  • Anne and Diana agree to communicate between their homes by candle signals.

    • Diana uses their signal to request a visit, and Anne understands and sets out.
  • Anne and Diana plan a birthday overnight visit, a concert outing and a shared spare-room bed; Marilla initially forbids the visit and concert.

  • Anne promises to scrub the greasy spots from the floor.

  • Josephine blames Diana for the girls' intrusion onto her bed, refuses to speak to her, withdraws support for her music lessons and determines to cut her visit short.

  • Anne resolves to take responsibility for the bed incident and obtain Josephine's forgiveness for Diana and restoration of her music lessons.

  • Anne's confession and account of the girls' disappointment turn Josephine's anger into interest and establish a firm friendship between them.

    • Josephine sustains her friendship with Anne through a personal Christmas gift that greatly delights her.
    • Josephine extends her interest to Anne's literary activities, requests the club's stories and sends praise that pleases Anne.
    • Josephine entertains the girls and welcomes Anne's affection; after their departure, her loneliness reveals an attachment to Anne herself, and she revises her unfavorable judgment of Anne's adoption.
    • Josephine supports Anne's move by finding and recommending suitable lodgings when Beechwood proves too distant from Queen's.
    • Anne's friendship with Josephine continues through repeated visits, Sunday dinners and church attendance together.
  • Josephine invites Anne to visit her in town and promises her the best spare-room bed.

    • Anne receives permission, visits Josephine in Charlottetown and sleeps in Beechwood's spare room, fulfilling the earlier invitation and promise.
  • Anne refuses flowers from an unnamed giver and vows never to disclose the giver's identity.

  • Anne resolves to stop imagining during practical work and attend to facts, later promising to be content with commonplace places.

    • Anne responds to anxiety about baking by resolving to take practical care, specifically remembering to include the flour.
    • Anne renews her effort to overcome imaginative distraction and hears Stacy condemn the Haunted Wood imagining, while practical attention still requires Marilla's intervention.
    • Anne identifies restraint of runaway imagination as a lesson learned and renews her commitment to a less romantic approach.
    • Experience qualifies Anne's idealized wishes: luxury proves uncomfortable, the spare room loses its imagined wonder, and she concludes that ordinary country home life suits her better than habitual city entertainment.
    • Anne renews her commitment to sensible conduct and honest study while allowing herself bounded imaginative recreation during vacation.
  • Anne wants to behave exceptionally well on the anniversary of her arrival at Green Gables.

  • Marilla requires Anne to fetch Diana's apron pattern from Mrs. Barry immediately, taking the grove route.

  • Anne fears the grove hauntings she and Diana invented and seeks to avoid the route, while Marilla requires her to cross it to curb those imaginings.

    • Anne now enters the Haunted Wood on her way to Diana without the former fear or resistance.
  • Anne recognizes Mrs. Allan as a kindred spirit and grows devoted to her; Mrs. Allan's sympathy over the ruined cake reassures Anne that her kindness is valued despite her mistake.

    • Mrs. Allan welcomes Anne, praises her voice, invites her into the choir and receives her confidences sympathetically, deepening Anne's trust and attachment.
    • Anne explicitly makes Mrs. Allan her model for adulthood and draws encouragement from learning that Mrs. Allan also misbehaved as a child.
    • Anne refuses a wager because she wants to be able to tell Mrs. Allan everything, making their trusted relationship a guide to conduct.
    • Mrs. Allan gives Anne pictures for her room, extending her personal kindness.
    • Anne's departure from the manse garden establishes continued contact with Mrs. Allan during her bereavement, although these events do not specify the counsel exchanged.
  • Anne wants to become a Christian if she can be like Mrs. Allan, whose example shows her that religion can be cheerful.

    • Anne develops her aspiration to resemble Mrs. Allan into an aim of doing good, restrains an uncharitable remark, and gains hope for improvement from Mrs. Allan's childhood example.
  • Marilla plans to entertain the Allans at tea, with Anne contributing a layer cake and table decorations.

  • Anne promises Marilla to conceal the planned visit of the Allans from Matthew.

  • Anne seeks to please Mrs. Allan with a cake made especially for her; its accidental liniment flavoring causes humiliation, but Mrs. Allan assures her that she appreciates the kindness.

  • Marilla seeks to match or surpass other Avonlea hostesses, and Anne undertakes to surpass Mrs. Barry's table decorations.

  • Anne offers to wash the dishes after the guests leave.

  • Marilla instructs Anne to give the spoiled cake to the pigs; Anne's compliance remains unshown.

  • Anne commits to preserving Mrs. Allan's invitation among her treasures.

  • Anne wants to attend tea at the manse and conduct herself properly; despite fears about rain and etiquette, she completes the visit happily.

  • Mrs. Allan intends to invite each Sunday-school pupil to tea in turn.

  • Anne resolves to think less about herself and let consideration for Mrs. Allan guide her behavior.

  • Anne looks forward eagerly to meeting Miss Stacy, Avonlea's newly appointed teacher.

    • Her ankle injury delays meeting Miss Stacy at school; during recovery Anne learns about the teacher through the schoolgirls' reports.
    • Anne has met Miss Stacy and finds her a true and helpful friend.
  • Josie's dare prompts Anne to attempt the kitchen ridgepole despite Diana's objections; Anne falls and breaks her ankle, and later infers that Josie regrets the dare.

  • Anne must recover from her broken ankle; the doctor sets it, and she eventually regains the ability to limp across the floor.

    • Anne's recovery has progressed enough for her to return to school.
  • Anne promises to bear her suffering bravely if Marilla is not cross with her.

  • Anne comes to like Bell, regrets criticizing him and revises her belief about his prayers, accepting their sincerity.

  • Diana, Ruby and Jane prepare A Morning Visit together.

  • Anne finds a true and helpful friend in Miss Stacy, who encourages her writing and helps her understand geometry.

    • Stacy's assignments prompt Anne to observe the woods and complete an original story, while Stacy also guides her judgment about the proper use of imagination.
    • Stacy combines moral guidance and forgiveness with academic encouragement, organizes further study and reassures Anne by promising to return.
    • Stacy broadens Anne's intellectual horizons, teaches her the value of simple expression, and encourages improvement through self-criticism.
  • Anne promises to recite for Matthew in the barn.

  • The pupils want a crow's nest for nature study.

  • Anne aspires to distinction as a battlefield nurse or foreign missionary.

    • Anne's vocational ambition takes a concrete new direction toward teaching through Queen's rather than the previously imagined nursing or missionary roles.
  • Miss Stacy and the pupils prepare a Christmas concert to help pay for a school flag, with choruses, dialogues, recitations, a tableau, decorations and a paired entrance.

    • The planned concert takes place successfully, and Marilla softens her opposition. The events do not establish how much money was raised or whether the flag was purchased.
  • Anne undertakes several concert roles and plans to practice her recitations in the garret.

    • Anne carries her concert participation through to a successful performance, overcoming stage fright and moving an audience member to tears.
  • Josie resents losing the fairy queen role to Jane and ridicules Anne's suitability as a red-haired fairy.

    • Josie again mocks Anne's appearance, but Anne restrains her intended reply and forgives her, reducing hostility on Anne's side.
  • Matthew decides to give Anne a fashionable Christmas dress; after failing to ask for one at the shop, he enlists Rachel, who makes it with puffed sleeves, and Anne receives it with delight.

  • Anne resolves to make an extra effort to behave well in gratitude for her Christmas gifts.

    • Anne practices restraint under insult and renews her commitment to good behavior, now motivated by repentance for her vanity.
  • Mr. Allan intends to send an account of the concert to the Charlottetown newspapers.

  • Marilla feels proud of Anne's concert performance but decides to conceal her pride from Anne.

  • Matthew intends to provide Anne with education beyond Avonlea school; Marilla tentatively favors Queen's, while deferring discussion for a year or two.

    • The deferred intention to educate Anne beyond Avonlea becomes an authorized course of action when both guardians support her joining the Queen's preparatory class.
    • Anne qualifies for education beyond Avonlea school, and Matthew delights in her result; attendance at Queen's remains ahead.
    • Matthew's intention to provide education beyond Avonlea is fulfilled when Anne enters Queen's.
  • Ruby and Emma White break their three-year friendship over seating at the concert.

  • Julia stops speaking to Josie for three months after learning that Josie mocked her bow.

  • The Bells and Sloanes cease dealings after exchanging disparaging judgments about their concert contributions.

  • Moody's accusation that Anne puts on airs leads to a fight in which Charlie beats him.

  • Ella May refuses to speak to Anne for the rest of winter.

  • Ruby intends to have a beau at fifteen.

  • Diana intends to wait until seventeen to put her hair up.

  • Malcolm Andres and Susan become engaged, with marriage proposed for the fall.

  • Anne proposes a story club with Diana and promises to help her write independently; they establish the club and admit Jane, Ruby and other members.

    • The story club ceases to function as a continuing writing association.
  • The story club intends to preserve its stories to read to descendants.

  • Marilla objects to story writing and doubts its compatibility with Anne's ambition to resemble Mrs. Allan; Anne defends the club and its moral purpose.

  • Anne requires every story written for the club to have a moral.

  • Josephine requests the club's stories; the members copy and send four, and receive her appreciative response, though her description of their tragedies as amusing puzzles them.

  • Anne seeks raven-black hair by buying and applying the peddler's dye; it turns her hair green, and she ultimately abandons the pursuit of beauty.

    • Anne delights in Diana's assessment that her hair is now auburn and pretty, but reports that she is cured of vanity rather than renewing her pursuit of raven-black hair.
  • Anne tries washing and daily shampooing to remove the dye; when these fail, she submits to Marilla's remedy of cutting her hair short.

  • Anne's dyeing mishap remains concealed from her schoolmates; Diana knows and promises never to disclose it.

  • Anne undertakes penance for her vanity by looking at her cropped appearance on every bedroom visit without imagining it away and bearing Josie's insult patiently.

  • Anne adopts Diana's suggestion of a black velvet ribbon as her hair grows and plans to call it a snood.

  • Marilla intends to consult a doctor about her worsening recurrent headaches.

  • Anne, Diana, Ruby and Jane stage Elaine's funeral voyage, with Anne playing Elaine; the leaking flat sinks and the performance ends in an accident.

  • Anne seeks to survive the sinking flat by reaching a bridge pile and holding on until help arrives; Gilbert rescues her and brings her ashore.

  • Anne commits to becoming less romantic after the accident, while Matthew urges her to retain some romance.

    • Anne seeks sensible habits while explicitly retaining imagination within reasonable limits, refining her earlier resolve to become less romantic.
  • Josephine invites Anne and Diana to Charlottetown for the Exhibition; Diana plans to have her mother ask Marilla's permission, while Anne resolves not to anticipate the visit before permission is granted.

  • Marilla undertakes to make Anne fashionable dresses, and Matthew insists she also receive a new coat.

    • Marilla provides longer new dresses, including a dark-green dress with a flounce; fulfillment of the coat provision is not established.
    • Anne has a white organdy dress suitable for the concert, and Marilla takes pride in her appearance.
    • Anne receives an ample, pretty outfit, including a fashionable green dress commissioned by Marilla; the coat is not specifically confirmed.
  • Marilla plans to have her glasses changed because her eyes tire increasingly often.

    • Marilla has obtained glasses, but relief has not lasted; persistent pain leads to a specialist referral and tentative agreement to consult the oculist.
  • Anne and Diana consider promising never to marry and living together; Diana also considers marrying and reforming a wicked young man.

  • Anne and Diana resolve to form respectable habits, study diligently and behave sensibly in response to Stacy's advice about adult character.

    • Anne renews her commitment to diligent study, joins the class's intensive preparation, and returns to her work despite spring's attractions.
  • Anne promises never again to conceal recreational reading during lessons after Stacy exposes its deceitfulness and forgives her.

  • Anne promises to avoid unsuitable books and read only books approved by Stacy or Mrs. Allan, returning an unfinished mystery in compliance.

  • Stacy organizes an advanced class with an extra hour of lessons after school to prepare pupils for the Queen's entrance examination.

    • Stacy returns, the Queen's class resumes intensive preparation, and she plans demanding practice examinations.
    • The preparatory class reaches its examination outcome: Anne completes the examinations, and all the named candidates pass, Moody conditionally in history.
  • Anne seeks to attend Queen's, become a teacher and bring credit to her guardians through diligent study.

    • Restored vigor renews Anne's ambition; she studies intensively toward the Entrance and persists despite anxiety and competing attractions.
    • Anne passes tied for first and brings acknowledged credit to her guardians and friends. She continues to aspire toward her future, but attending Queen's and becoming a teacher remain unfulfilled.
    • Anne enters Queen's and chooses the advanced course toward a First Class license, carrying her educational and teaching ambition into practice.
    • Anne completes her Academy course with public distinction, bringing credit to her guardians, and chooses Redmond as her next step rather than immediate teaching.
    • Anne turns her teaching qualification into an appointment at Avonlea, enabling her to support Marilla while living at home.
  • Remaining for the Queen's lessons separates Anne from Diana and makes Anne want to abandon her lesson and follow her friend.

    • Separation during the examinations extends the emotional cost of Anne's educational path: she feels horribly lonely without Diana.
  • Ruby plans to qualify as a teacher, teach for two years and then marry.

    • Ruby passes the Entrance examination, advancing toward teacher qualification; her intended teaching career and marriage remain prospective.
    • Ruby enters Queen's and chooses Second Class work, progressing toward her teaching qualification.
    • Ruby obtains a teaching appointment, advancing the teaching phase of her plan.
  • Jane plans to teach throughout her life and remain unmarried to preserve her paid independence.

    • Jane passes the Entrance examination, advancing toward the teaching career through which she intends to preserve her independence.
    • Jane enters Queen's and chooses Second Class work, progressing toward the qualification needed for her intended teaching career.
    • Jane receives an offer of the Newbridge teaching position, providing an opportunity to begin her intended career.
    • Jane obtains the Newbridge teaching appointment, beginning her intended independent teaching career.
  • Josie intends to pursue college education without needing to earn her living.

    • Josie passes the Entrance examination by three marks, advancing toward further education.
  • Moody intends to become a minister.

  • Charlie intends to enter politics and become a member of Parliament.

  • Gilbert withdraws his personal attentions after Anne refuses to hear him; Anne discovers that his disregard hurts and wishes she had answered differently.

    • Anne increasingly regrets having rejected Gilbert's friendship, although no reconciliation occurs.
    • Anne learns Gilbert must teach and loses her expectation that he will accompany her to Redmond, extending their separation.
    • Anne openly acknowledges her regret and Gilbert's kindness; their estrangement ends in mutual friendship.
  • Anne conceals her regret and hurt over Gilbert's withdrawal from everyone.

    • Anne tells Gilbert that she has forgiven him and regretted her stubbornness, ending her complete concealment of that regret.
  • Anne repeatedly snubs Charlie without justification, giving Gilbert some comfort.

  • Stacy promises to return to Avonlea and guide her pupils through their preparation, abandoning consideration of another school.

    • Stacy fulfills her promise to return to Avonlea and resume teaching her pupils.
  • Anne locks away her textbooks and commits to a summer of recreation and imagination within reasonable limits.

    • Anne enjoys the planned outdoor summer with Diana under medical advice and Marilla's permission, regains her vigor, and returns willingly to study.
  • Ruby plans a birthday party.

    • Anne reports having her height measured at Ruby's party, establishing that the planned party occurred.
  • Mr. Barry promises to take Anne and Diana to dinner at the White Sands Hotel.

  • Matthew's increasingly frequent heart spells worry Marilla and require him to avoid excitement and heavy work despite recovery from the immediate attack.

    • Anne notices Matthew's declining appearance and learns that he has suffered severe heart spells, despite some subsequent improvement.
    • Matthew dies instantaneously, ending the effort to manage his recurring heart trouble; the bank-failure news explains the fatal shock.
  • Anne's commitment to preparing for the Entrance is troubled by persistent examination anxiety and competes with the attraction of spring outdoors; she resolves to continue studying.

    • Anne completes the examinations despite anxiety and confusion, then suffers prolonged suspense and loss of appetite while awaiting results. Verification of her first-place tie ends the uncertainty in overwhelming joy.
  • Anne's growth and anticipated absence next winter grieve Marilla, revealing her attachment; Matthew comforts her.

    • Marilla explains her grief over Anne's growth and impending departure, then experiences bitter loneliness after Anne leaves.
    • Their shared bereavement brings Marilla's maternal love into explicit speech, and Anne returns home out of concern for Marilla's loneliness.
    • The anticipated separation is averted when Anne chooses to remain at Green Gables and Marilla accepts with renewed hope.
  • Anne chooses to keep cherished thoughts private and to express herself with fewer big words, following Stacy's teaching that simple language strengthens writing.

  • Anne undertakes to become her own severest writing critic after Stacy identifies faults in her compositions and assures her that rigorous self-criticism can improve her writing.

  • Stacy intends to prepare the Queen's class with practice examinations matching the Entrance's difficulty and marked strictly.

  • Anne and the Entrance class promise Miss Stacy not to study during examination week, preventing Anne from carrying out her earlier intention to cram.

  • Josephine invites Anne to stay at Beechwood during the examinations.

  • Anne promises Diana a Tuesday-night account of the first examination day, and Diana promises to await it at the post office on Wednesday.

  • Moody believes he has failed history and intends to abandon the examinations, but Anne urges him to stay for Miss Stacy's sake.

  • Anne plans to tell Matthew her results immediately and then visit others with Diana to share the news.

  • Diana undertakes to dress Anne beautifully for the concert and uphold Avonlea's credit, reserving her only white rose for her.

  • The hotel guests organize a concert to benefit the Charlottetown hospital and recruit Anne as a reciter.

  • Anne's sense of inferiority among the sophisticated performers and fear of following a professional culminate in stage fright that prevents her from speaking.

  • Anne determines to succeed at her recitation after mistakenly interpreting Gilbert's smile as mockery.

  • Anne undertakes an encore despite her reluctance because she does not want to disappoint Matthew.

  • Anne undertakes Second Year work at Queen's toward a First Class teaching license, following Miss Stacy's guidance.

    • Academic work takes precedence over regular journeys home, and Anne establishes herself among the leading students.
    • The Academy course culminates in graduation and formal recognition of Anne's examination achievements.
  • Anne wants close friendships with the brown-eyed girl and the pale, fair girl at Queen's.

  • Anne's move to Queen's brings acute homesickness; her attempt to cheer herself fails, while visits from familiar Avonlea girls offer relief.

    • Weekend visits home ease Anne's homesickness, while new friendships give her companionship at the Academy.
    • Anne returns to Green Gables after completing her course and is happy to be home with Diana.
  • Anne considers competing for the Queen's gold medal.

    • Anne becomes a principal medal contender. Despite hearing a prediction favoring Gilbert, she values striving and a deserved victory without treating defeat as unbearable.
    • Gilbert wins the gold medal, ending Anne's opportunity to win it in this competition.
  • Anne resolves to win the Avery scholarship through hard work so that she can study Arts at Redmond and graduate.

    • Anne continues concentrated academic work toward her scholarship ambition; the prediction favoring Emily tests her hopes, but she recognizes value in striving independently of winning.
    • Anne wins the Avery scholarship and confirms her intention to attend Redmond; studying Arts and graduating remain ahead.
    • Although Anne won the scholarship, she relinquishes it and her immediate Redmond plans to care for Marilla; she retains her educational ambition through independent Arts study.
  • Anne develops intimate friendships with Stella Maynard and Priscilla Grant within a circle of thoughtful, imaginative and ambitious Academy friends.

  • Josie plans to return to Queen's next year if she fails her examinations.

  • Anne avoids the bulletin board and relies on Jane to report her results promptly and without consolation; the public announcement reveals her scholarship before Jane reports.

  • Anne intends to write home immediately about winning the Avery scholarship.

  • Gilbert intends to teach to earn the money for college because his father cannot finance his education.

    • Gilbert secures teaching work at White Sands and commits to continuing his studies.
  • Anne intends to take over the household work after one day of rest so that Marilla can rest.

    • Anne makes a concrete commitment to the ironing and baking during Marilla's absence.
    • Anne expands her temporary offer of household relief into a lasting commitment to live with, care for and support Marilla.
  • Marilla tentatively agrees to consult a visiting oculist about persistent eye pain after glasses have failed to provide lasting relief.

    • Following Doctor Spencer's recommendation, Marilla decides to attend the specialist's examination in town.
    • Marilla completes the oculist consultation and returns with glasses, restrictions and a prognosis of threatened blindness.
  • Rumors that Abbey Bank is unstable threaten the Cuthberts' entire savings; Matthew worries but has received Russell's assurance that the bank is sound.

    • The bank's failure is confirmed, turning the rumored threat to the Cuthberts' savings into an actual financial crisis; the recoverable amount remains unspecified.
    • The feared financial loss is confirmed: the household's banked money is gone.
  • Marilla wants their savings withdrawn from Abbey Bank immediately; Matthew promises to consider withdrawing them.

    • The bank fails before any withdrawal is established, and Matthew dies after receiving the news.
    • The savings have been lost, so the proposed protective withdrawal can no longer be carried out.
  • Anne struggles to comprehend Matthew's death and release her grief; tears and Marilla's comfort bring relief, but returning pleasure makes her feel disloyal to his memory.

    • Anne continues to honor Matthew through tending his grave while recovering delight in life and settling into contentment.
  • Anne plans to have Diana's company and do the ironing and baking while Marilla attends her eye examination.

  • Marilla reveals her former courtship with John Blythe and her lasting regret over refusing his attempt at reconciliation, sharing a private emotional history with Anne.

  • Marilla's threatened blindness requires restrictions on work and threatens her ability to maintain an independent household.

  • Marilla asks Anne to keep her eye condition private; neighbors judge Anne's decision without knowing its cause.

  • Anne gives up Redmond to remain with Marilla, support their household by teaching near home, preserve Green Gables and pursue Arts studies independently.

  • Marilla reluctantly proposes selling Green Gables and boarding elsewhere because of her impaired sight, lost savings and outstanding obligations; Anne's alternative persuades her to abandon the sale.

  • Barry wants to rent the Green Gables farm next year.

  • Marilla resists Anne's surrender of the scholarship, but accepts her decision to stay and promises to repay her sacrifice.

  • Gilbert withdraws from consideration for Avonlea school in Anne's favor and contracts to teach at White Sands.

  • Anne and Gilbert establish a mutual friendship after Anne acknowledges his generosity and reveals her forgiveness and regret.

  • Gilbert commits to continuing his studies while teaching.

Places

Avonlea, Green Gables, Carmody, Bright River, Nova Scotia, Hopeton, New Brunswick, Bright River station, Prince Edward Island, Charlottetown, Newbridge, White Way of Delight, Lake of Shining Waters, Orchard Slope, White Sands, the Creek, The shore road, Bolingbroke, Marysville, The asylum at Hopeton, White Sands Hotel, The manse, The Barry garden, The log bridge, Idlewild, Willowmere, Picnic ground, Avonlea school, Birch Path, Violet Vale, Alberta, Spencervale, Victoria Island, The post office, Charlottetown hospital, Queen's, Camelot, Barry field, Exhibition grounds, Academy of Music, Beechwood, The Academy, Redmond College, The manse garden, Scotland, Blythe homestead