Anne of Green Gables is about a spirited orphan, Anne Shirley, who is accidentally adopted by an elderly brother and sister, Matthew and Marilla Cuthbert. Anne's vivid imagination and romantic nature lead her to many adventures, as she navigates her new life on Prince Edward Island.
Table of Content
Anne Of Green Gables Book Summary
Anne Shirley, a spirited and imaginative orphan, is mistakenly sent to the Cuthberts, who were expecting a boy to help on their farm. Marilla, the practical sister, is shocked, but soft-hearted Matthew convinces her to keep Anne.
Anne's vivid imagination leads her to many scrapes and escapades, including an accidental poisoning that endears her to the community.
She attends school for the first time, where her intelligence and creativity shine, but she also faces bullying from a classmate, Gilbert Blythe. Anne's friendship with Diana Barry blossoms, and they become kindred spirits.
When Marilla's best brooch goes missing, Anne takes the blame to protect a friend, allowing her to demonstrate her integrity and bravery. The brooch is later found, and Anne is praised for her noble act.
Tragedy strikes when Matthew dies of a heart attack, leaving Anne and Marilla bereft. Anne takes on more responsibility, showing her growing maturity.
Anne wins a scholarship to Queen's Academy and declines it to stay with Marilla. This selfless act deepens their bond.
When Marilla's eyesight starts to fail, Anne takes on the role of her eyes and learns to manage the Green Gables farm.
Anne and Gilbert, who had been academic rivals, reconcile and become close friends. Anne also encourages Diana to follow her heart and eventually marries her sweetheart, Fred Wright.
After Marilla's return to health, Anne finally accepts Gilbert's marriage proposal, marking a new chapter in their relationship.
At the Avonlea school, Anne takes over as the teacher, following the departure of Miss Stacy.
The book concludes with Anne's contentment at Green Gables, reflecting on her past and the profound love and friendships that shaped her life.
Anne Of Green Gables Quotes
- Tomorrow is always fresh, with no mistakes in it yet.
- It's been my experience that you can nearly always enjoy things if you make up your mind firmly that you will.
Anne Of Green Gables Ending Explained
At the end of Anne of Green Gables, Anne has matured into a capable and intelligent young woman.
She has overcome many challenges and has come to find peace and happiness at Green Gables, surrounded by the love of her community and her dear friend, Marilla.
Having pursued her dreams and experienced both heartache and joy, Anne accepts Gilbert Blythe's proposal, marking the beginning of a new and promising chapter in her life.
Characters in book Anne Of Green Gables
- Anne Shirley: The imaginative and talkative 11-year-old orphan girl with red hair who is adopted by Marilla and Matthew Cuthbert.
- Marilla Cuthbert: The practical and no-nonsense sister who, with her brother Matthew, adopts Anne.
- Matthew Cuthbert: The shy and kind-hearted brother of Marilla, who is deeply moved by Anne and insists on her staying at Green Gables.
- Diana Barry: Anne's kindred spirit and best friend, who lives nearby with her large and loving family.
- Rachel Lynde: The nosy, yet well-meaning neighbor of Green Gables, known for her candid remarks and bustling nature.
- Gilbert Blythe: A classmate of Anne's, known for his teasing and competitive nature, who later becomes a close friend.
- Mrs. Barry: Diana's mother, who initially disapproves of Anne but later grows to love her.
- Ruby Gillis: A classmate and friend of Anne, known for her beauty and delicate nature.
- Charlie Sloane: A classmate of Anne's who often seeks her attention, but she finds him rather annoying.
- Mr. Phillips: The teacher at Avonlea school, known for his lack of discipline and favoritism.
- Miss Stacy: The new Avonlea school teacher, who inspires Anne and her classmates with her progressive teaching methods.
Key Lessons
- Imagination is a Powerful Tool: Embrace your imagination; it can turn the ordinary into the extraordinary.
- Integrity Overcomes Adversity: Uphold your values, even in difficult situations, as they define your character and win respect.
- Friendship Nourishes the Soul: Cherish and cultivate meaningful friendships; they provide support and joy in life's journey.
- Hard Work Yields Reward: The effort you put into your endeavors will be reflected in the rewards you reap.
- Forgiveness Heals Relationships: Forgiveness is a powerful tool for healing and reconnecting with those who have hurt or wronged you.
My Personal Opinion
Is Anne of Green Gables worth reading? Yes, I found it to be an enchanting and heartwarming tale that resonates with the power of imagination and the beauty of friendship.
I was captivated by Anne's rich inner world, and at times, I wished for a bit more depth in the supporting characters. The narrative's focus on Anne's perspective meant that other characters often remained somewhat enigmatic.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a story that celebrates the resilience and spirit of a young girl. It is particularly fitting for readers who appreciate tales of personal growth and the enduring magic of childhood.