Anne of Green Gables

By L.M. Montgomery

“Anne of Green Gables” by Lucy Maud Montgomery is a timeless classic that has captivated readers for over a century. Through the use of vivid imagery, humor, and themes of identity and belonging, Montgomery creates a world that is both enchanting and relatable. The novel also employs literary devices such as foreshadowing, symbolism, and character development to bring the story to life.

Themes 📚

1. Identity and self-discovery: The novel explores the theme of identity as Anne struggles to find her place in the world and discover who she truly is.
2. Belonging and family: The importance of family and belonging is another major theme in the novel, as Anne longs for a sense of connection and belonging in her new home.
3. Friendship and loyalty: The theme of friendship is also central to the novel, as Anne forms close bonds with her friends and learns the importance of loyalty and support.
4. Gender roles and societal expectations: The novel challenges traditional gender roles and societal expectations, as Anne defies gender stereotypes and pursues her own interests and ambitions.
5. Nature and beauty: The natural beauty of Prince Edward Island is a recurring theme in the novel, serving as a source of inspiration and comfort for Anne and the other characters.
6. The power of imagination: Anne’s vivid imagination is a defining characteristic throughout the novel, emphasizing the power of creativity and the importance of cultivating an imaginative spirit.

Use of Literary Devices ✍🏽

1. Imagery: Montgomery uses vivid and descriptive language to paint a picture of the natural beauty of Prince Edward Island and the charming town of Avonlea, creating a rich and detailed setting for the story.
2. Foreshadowing: Throughout the novel, Montgomery hints at future events through subtle clues and hints, building suspense and anticipation for the reader.
3. Symbolism: The recurring motifs of flowers, colors, and nature symbolize different themes and emotions throughout the novel, adding depth and complexity to the story.
4. Characterization: Montgomery creates a cast of memorable and fully realized characters, each with their own unique quirks, flaws, and strengths.
5. Dialogue: The dialogue in the novel is lively and authentic, capturing the distinct voices and personalities of the characters and adding humor and depth to their interactions.
6. Flashback: Montgomery uses flashbacks to provide backstory and context for the characters, enriching the reader’s understanding of their motivations and emotions.
7. Irony: The novel employs a number of ironic situations and events, adding a layer of complexity and humor to the story.
8. Theme: As mentioned above, Montgomery weaves several themes throughout the novel, exploring issues of identity, belonging, friendship, and more.
9. Allusion: The novel contains several allusions to classic literature and poetry, showcasing Montgomery’s knowledge and appreciation of the literary canon.
10. Point of view: The novel is told from a third-person omniscient point of view, allowing the reader to see into the thoughts and emotions of multiple characters and gaining a richer understanding of the story.

Examples of Literary Devices 📋

1. Bildungsroman

Example	Explanation
Anne’s growth	The novel chronicles Anne’s growth and development from a young, imaginative girl into a mature, responsible young woman, following the Bildungsroman tradition.
Education	Anne’s pursuit of education, both at school and through her own reading, plays a central role in her development and is a key aspect of the Bildungsroman genre.
Relationships	Anne’s relationships with her adoptive family, friends, and romantic interests contribute to her personal growth and understanding of herself, typical of Bildungsroman stories.

2. Symbolism

Example	Explanation
Green Gables	The Green Gables farmhouse symbolizes the love, stability, and sense of belonging that Anne finds with her adoptive family.
The White Way of Delight	The White Way of Delight, a road lined with blossoming trees, symbolizes Anne’s boundless imagination and her ability to see beauty in the world around her.
Puffed sleeves	Puffed sleeves represent Anne’s longing for beauty and the acceptance of her unique qualities by the people around her.

3. Imagery

Example	Explanation
Prince Edward Island	The novel’s setting on Prince Edward Island is described in vivid detail, creating a picturesque and idyllic backdrop for the story.
Anne’s imagination	The author uses vivid imagery to bring Anne’s imaginative flights of fancy to life, giving the reader a window into her creative and unique perspective.
Nature	Nature plays a significant role in the novel, and the author uses rich imagery to describe the landscapes, seasons, and natural beauty that surround Anne and the other characters.

4. Irony

Example	Explanation
Anne’s arrival	The irony of Anne’s arrival at Green Gables is that Marilla and Matthew Cuthbert had intended to adopt a boy to help with farm work, but instead, they receive a spirited and imaginative girl.
Anne’s red hair	Anne’s red hair, which she initially despises, becomes an ironic symbol of her uniqueness and the very quality that makes her endearing to those who come to know and love her.
Gilbert’s teasing	Gilbert Blythe’s teasing of Anne about her red hair is intended to gain her attention, but it ironically drives her away, leading to a long-standing rivalry between them.

5. Foreshadowing

Example	Explanation
Anne’s apology to Mrs. Lynde	Anne’s reluctant apology to Mrs. Lynde for her outburst foreshadows her growth in humility and her ability to accept responsibility for her actions.
Anne’s relationship with Gilbert	The initial rivalry between Anne and Gilbert foreshadows their future friendship and eventual romantic relationship.
Matthew’s attachment to Anne	Early in the novel, Matthew’s immediate attachment to Anne foreshadows the deep bond that will develop between them and his eventual advocacy for her place in the family.

6. Humor

Example	Explanation
Anne’s misadventures	Anne’s various misadventures, such as dyeing her hair green and accidentally getting Diana drunk, provide comic relief and highlight her endearing, impulsive nature.
Anne’s imaginative monologues	Anne’s humorous, imaginative monologues and her tendency to get lost in her thoughts often bring levity to the novel and showcase her unique perspective on the world.
Dialogue	The witty and sometimes sarcastic dialogue between characters, particularly Anne and Marilla, adds humor and light-heartedness to the novel.

FAQs 💭