October Book Discussion: Anne of Green Gables by Lucy Maud Montgomery
I have a confession to make: I have never read Anne of Green Gables. I have never watched an episode of an Anne TV series and I have never watched an Anne movie. I never visited an Anne tourist location nor seen.
Despite living in New Brunswick (attached to PEI by a fixed link), having a sister who is an Anne fanatic and knowing an actor from some Anne movie(s) (Genevieve Appleton).
About a year ago, I found a century old edition of Anne of Green Gables. It ahs been sitting in my to be read piles. I though facilitating a discussion of Anne on the Ship would be exactly the reason I needed to read it. Whether it is your first time reading it or your fifty-first, please, join me in reading the Maritime Canada classic.
Despite living in New Brunswick (attached to PEI by a fixed link), having a sister who is an Anne fanatic and knowing an actor from some Anne movie(s) (Genevieve Appleton).
About a year ago, I found a century old edition of Anne of Green Gables. It ahs been sitting in my to be read piles. I though facilitating a discussion of Anne on the Ship would be exactly the reason I needed to read it. Whether it is your first time reading it or your fifty-first, please, join me in reading the Maritime Canada classic.
Comments
By the way, if anyone doesn't have the book, you can get a ebook version free from Project Gutenberg.
I see from googling that there was also a TV adaptation in 2016, with Martin Sheen as Matthew Cuthbert (he's the only actor in it that I've heard of).
And 15 or 16 when it ends, I believe --
2. A lot of fans of the book identify with Anne, especially if their first read was in childhood. Which character do you relate to the most? If you have read the book multiple times has the character you relate to or identify with changed over time?
3. How vital is the PEI location to the story? Could the story be set in another location given it is popular in numerous countries around the world?
4. Marilla gives several reasons for finally deciding to keep Anne. What reason do you think most changed her mind?
5. Good behavior is very important to Marilla and very difficult for Anne. From where do you think each derives her moral code? How do both characters change, when it comes to behavior? Think, in particular, of Anne’s confessions.
6. Anne is a remarkably compassionate child and is able to forgive even those who have judged her unfairly, such as Mrs. Rachel Lynde or Mrs. Barry. Why, then, do you think she holds such a grudge against Gilbert Blythe?
7. Discuss Anne’s reaction to Matthew’s death. How do you think it shows her maturation? How, if at all, do you think she was prepared for it?
8. At the end of the book, Rachel Lynde tells Marilla, “There’s a good deal of the child about her yet in some ways,” and Marilla responds by saying, “There’s a good deal more of the woman about her in others” . What do you make of her comment? How has Anne changed during her time at Green Gables? How has she stayed the same?
9. Ask your own question.
(Thanks to Nenya and Mili for questions and pointing me to question resources.)
A mildly startling coincidence!
1. Is this your first time reading this book or a re-read? Did you enjoy it?
I've read this book loads of times (and everything else set in this word), but haven't re-read it for this month so might not be able to answer some of the questions in detail.
2. A lot of fans of the book identify with Anne, especially if their first read was in childhood. Which character do you relate to the most? If you have read the book multiple times has the character you relate to or identify with changed over time?
I think all children identify with being misjudged as Anne is a few times in this book. Also even if you have a happy childhood you do sometimes wonder what it would be like being an orphan. I always have a soft spot for Mrs Rachel Lynde. Montgomery was very good at depicting women like her. Mrs Marshall Elliot in the later books is rather similar. Matthew is just lovely. The scene where he wants to buy Anne a fashionable frock but is embarrassed is funny and moving.
3. How vital is the PEI location to the story? Could the story be set in another location given it is popular in numerous countries around the world?
Ever since I first read the book I've wanted to go to PEI. I could do without Anne's flowery descriptions, but the place sounds lovely nonetheless. I think it could be set in any rural, fairly isolated community, and I guess most of us imagine the landscape as being one we are familiar with, not necessarily the one it actually is.
I have read it a lot of times over many years, the first time at 13. I enjoyed the reread and have continued rereading the next books in the series.
2. A lot of fans of the book identify with Anne, especially if their first read was in childhood. Which character do you relate to the most? If you have read the book multiple times has the character you relate to or identify with changed over time?
I first was introduced to the characters through the Megan Follows as Anne 1980s mini series. I was a little bit younger than Anne the first time viewing and she grows up more quickly on TV than reading the books, so I think I related to the child characters throughout. The series alters some of the storyline and characters and on early viewings I didn't relate to the romance plots as much as when I was older. However these are only hinted at in the first book.
I first read three of the books at 13 and by then was interested in the romance plots, but still enjoyed reading the first book as well. I related to book Anne in that she liked books and writing and felt things strongly, but unfortunately could not relate to her confidence or popularity as I was very shy and struggled to make the same close friendships I had at primary school until my later teen years. Too many Pyes in the cohort of girls at my school from ages 13 to 15!
As a single woman I can relate to some of the single middle aged women now, but am not pining for a former beau who I broke up with after a silly quarrel or feeling a lack in my life for lack of marriage and children of my own.
I used to wonder if I would get married later, like the author, but reading about Montgomery's own unhappy midlife marriage and seeing the joys and pain of other's marriages made me realise life is not necessarily easier for the married than the single. Now I have not ruled out marriage altogether, but am not searching for it.
3. How vital is the PEI location to the story? Could the story be set in another location given it is popular in numerous countries around the world?
I think the book could be set in another rural area throughout the British empire or US of the time. However the PEI setting and seasons do play a big role and the story could not be quite the same.
4. Marilla gives several reasons for finally deciding to keep Anne. What reason do you think most changed her mind?
Although Christian duty paid a part, I think the biggest motivation was wanting to give Anne a proper, caring home and education and realising how wrong it would be to send her off to be a an unloved servant girl again.
5. Good behavior is very important to Marilla and very difficult for Anne. From where do you think each derives her moral code? How do both characters change, when it comes to behavior? Think, in particular, of Anne’s confessions.
Anne must have had some moral upbringing before living with the Cuthberts. Perhaps her views are a bit unrealistic for someone with her upbringing. She seems to have had access to romantic and moral stories, but her knowledge of Christianity was patchy. You would expect she would have heard prayers at least at the orphanage.
6. Anne is a remarkably compassionate child and is able to forgive even those who have judged her unfairly, such as Mrs. Rachel Lynde or Mrs. Barry. Why, then, do you think she holds such a grudge against Gilbert Blythe?
Her grudge does seem a bit over the top. Perhaps it is partly to do with Gilbert having a crush on her, while she does not yet have an interest in boys that way. Plus it works for the story having an ememies to possible lovers plot.
I don't have any further questions, but wanted to add that I read the book in a different light after some recent family research revealed my Great Grandmother's brother may have been sent to Canada as a child migrant. I knew he migrated from Birmingham, England to Ontario at some point, but recently found out he was only 14 at the time. I can't find him listed in any child migrant schemes, but his father died when he was a teenager and his sisters apart from my infant great grandmother went to work in service or retail in England around the same age. He ended up becoming a minister in the Anglican Church, so I'm hoping he lived with caring people as he must have been given a good education. The family was able to stay in touch and my paternal grandfather even visited him in Canada where he had a good life.
I didn't get a chance to re-read it this month, but I have read the book so many times (mostly in childhood, but have reread a few times as an adult), plus seen the TV adaptations, the stage musical probably 3 times, once directed a stage play (the non-musical version) of it ... I feel like it's pretty deep in my bones. It's always going to be one of my core foundational texts and I think that is true for most Canadian women of my generation.
As a child I absolutely identified with Anne -- despite being raised by two loving parents who had not mail-ordered me from an orphanage. Imaginative, overly dramatic, constantly being told I talked too much -- I definitely saw myself in Anne.
Several ago a few friends and I did an episode of my book-chat podcast which I titled "We Are All as Old as Marilla Now" because during the conversation we came to the realization that we were all Marilla-aged or older (I think Marilla is 45 at the beginning of Anne of Green Gables, so I am now considerably older than Marilla! I definitely have more sympathy for her than I did as a younger reader, and am aware how limited options were for women of her generation and social class. She and Matthew were lucky, in a way, to have each other, in that neither of them married, they got along fairly well, and together they were able to keep up the family home.
When we last discussed this book in 2020 I mentioned that someone had written a book called Marilla of Green Gables. Since then I've read another, called Marilla Before Anne. Both interesting, but neither of them really captured Marilla's point of view, for me. I did read both books though, because I love imagining a well-known story like this from other characters' points of view.
In one sense, no, the PEI setting doesn't matter -- you could transplant the story of the neglected orphan, the middle-aged unmarried brother and sister who reluctantly adopt her, Anne's own coming of the age and the community she becomes part of to many different settings in that time period. In another sense, though, it's essential: as we talked about when we read The Blue Castle last year, Montgomery had a Romantic poet's obsession with the beauty of nature, which she transfers on to her characters, and the setting that Anne loves so much is quite specifically the landscape of Prince Edward Island, so much so that you could argue, as people often do, that "the setting is almost a character in the story." The fact that it's on PEI doesn't really change anything about the plot, but the setting is still very central.
I could say more about the other questions but this post is already long so I'll leave it here for now and perhaps return to the other questions later if discussion carries on.
That's very interesting @Mili! I know the child migrants from the UK had VERY different patterns of experience here in Canada, with some finding loving permanent homes and going on to successful lives, while others were overworked and abused. Sounds like your great-great-uncle may have been one of the former, and it's nice that the family stayed in touch.
1. Is this your first time reading this book or a re-read? Did you enjoy it?
A re-read, having first read the book when I was about 9 judging by the print date in my copy. Still enjoy it - although I'm not so sure about the sequels!
2. A lot of fans of the book identify with Anne, especially if their first read was in childhood. Which character do you relate to the most? If you have read the book multiple times has the character you relate to or identify with changed over time?
Questions like this always puzzle me, because I don't really understand what's meant by it. I don't identify with characters as such - I enjoy the story, and may want to hear more from various characters; but they're not me.
3. How vital is the PEI location to the story? Could the story be set in another location given it is popular in numerous countries around the world?
I think the location is important in that it's rural North America, and very scenic, since Anne's imagination in describing places is a large part of the story; but beyond that it could be anywhere. I honestly didn't work out where in the 'real world' it was set till I was in my teens. (I'm in the UK, if I'd never read this book I probably would never have heard of PEI).
On Marilla's motivation for keeping Anne, I think a large part was compassion. Having heard Anne's description of what she did whilst being looked after by Mrs Thomas and Mrs Hammond, and then knowing Mrs Blewett; she appears to feel that it would be wrong or unkind to subject Anne to having to deal with that sort of life again.
6. Anne is a remarkably compassionate child and is able to forgive even those who have judged her unfairly, such as Mrs. Rachel Lynde or Mrs. Barry. Why, then, do you think she holds such a grudge against Gilbert Blythe?
I think some of it was probably a plot point, but also because Gilbert is a rival in school and just catches her on the quick and it stings.
One question that occurs to me is has anyone else read the sequels? I have, but I found them more predicatable than the original book, and so less interesting.
I’m like @Celtic Knotweed in that I’ve read the book (Anne of Green Gables) many times, though not often since I left my teens. I also agree about not feeling the need to identify with characters in this or other stories, and about Marilla’s compassion: I wonder if she knew that life could be so hard or orphan children treated so badly.
My favourite character now would be Marilla, as I think hat the way she changes and mellows and learns to allow herself to depend on others is really well developed in the story, so you hardly notice it happening.
A reread, one of many, and it was a joy to have a reason to do it.
2. A lot of fans of the book identify with Anne, especially if their first read was in childhood. Which character do you relate to the most? If you have read the book multiple times has the character you relate to or identify with changed over time?
As a youngster I was fascinated by Anne as a character but there was a lot about her that I didn't identify with and related more to Diana Barry. Not because I was pretty, with black eyes and hair and rosy cheeks, but because I was always happy to be second fiddle to more flamboyant and outgoing characters.
On this rereading I related a lot to Marilla in the last pages of the book - what happens if I lose my life companion and am facing old age and possible disability issues
3. How vital is the PEI location to the story? Could the story be set in another location given it is popular in numerous countries around the world?
Like @Celtic Knotweed I'm in the UK and didn't think about the setting when I read the book as a girl. I translated it into the Kentish countryside where I grew up and we had a flowering cherry tree in our garden so I had my own Snow Queen. On closer reading, the location is important and the author clearly loved writing about it.
4. Marilla gives several reasons for finally deciding to keep Anne. What reason do you think most changed her mind?
She sets more store by what Matthew thinks than she ever admits, and Anne is the side of her she was never able to express. What clinches it in the moment is the prospect of handing Anne over to the gimlet-like Mrs Blewett.
5. Good behavior is very important to Marilla and very difficult for Anne. From where do you think each derives her moral code? How do both characters change, when it comes to behavior? Think, in particular, of Anne’s confessions.
Marilla softens and is able to recognise herself in Anne as well as eventually acknowledging how much she loves her. She was clearly brought up to behave in the socially acceptable ways of the time. Anne isn't deliberately badly behaved, she is just impetuous and doesn't consider the consequences of her actions. Given her background I'm amazed at the balanced, unsuppressed and loving girl that she is. I do cringe when she makes that false confession about Marilla's brooch and am sad that she felt the need to do that to get what she wanted and what she thought those around her were expecting. I'm sure like everyone I smile at her apology to Mrs Lynde and how she turns that into a theatrical moment.
6. Anne is a remarkably compassionate child and is able to forgive even those who have judged her unfairly, such as Mrs. Rachel Lynde or Mrs. Barry. Why, then, do you think she holds such a grudge against Gilbert Blythe?
A plot device, as others have said. And Anne sees that he is popular and handsome and she enjoys some sort of power in constantly rebuffing him. Plus having him as a rival is a huge motivator for her.
7. Discuss Anne’s reaction to Matthew’s death. How do you think it shows her maturation? How, if at all, do you think she was prepared for it?
Well, she had noticed he didn't look well and asked Marilla about it, so she knew he had heart issues. I thought her reaction was completely understandable - numb at first, wanting solitude, tears coming at the memory of Matthew's loving words to her. I expect as a child she would have burst into inconsolable tears straight away.
I read a couple of the sequels years ago and didn't like any of them nearly as much as this first book; I can't remember exactly which ones I read. I'd be up for @Trudy 's recommendation if we chose it for a future book club discussion.
I admit I didn't reread it this time.
2. A lot of fans of the book identify with Anne, especially if their first read was in childhood. Which character do you relate to the most? If you have read the book multiple times has the character you relate to or identify with changed over time?
As a child I related to Anne, with the anxieties of moving to a new town, attending a new school, making friends. I too would probably identify more with Marilla at this point.
3. How vital is the PEI location to the story? Could the story be set in another location given it is popular in numerous countries around the world?
When I first read it, I thought the PEI setting was okay, because it's ambiguous - somewhat part of Canada, somewhat set apart as an island. I felt it mirrored the ambiguity of Anne's situation - somewhat part of a new family and community, somewhat not.
After being on Prince Edward Island, I'm convinced that it's integral to the plot. It's ridiculously beautiful, probably the most colour-oversaturated place I've ever seen. The earth is brilliant red, the grass intensely green, the sky and sea bright blue. The Haunted Forest really is silver-gray and silent. All this outrageous beauty contrasts with the dour couple, hard work of their farm life, and the strict social norms of the community. Only Anne seems to have eyes for the beauty of it, and when she points it out, it's often dismissed or grudgingly acknowledged in passing.
Putting a sensitive, imaginative, dramatic child like Anne in such a setting - while others around her don't or can't see it the same way - highlights her initial isolation. ISTM that over the course of the novels, there's a meeting in the middle. Anne becomes more practical and task-focused, Marilla more open to enjoying Anne's observations about the natural world.
4. Marilla gives several reasons for finally deciding to keep Anne. What reason do you think most changed her mind?
I think it was the reality of the life Anne was likely to face if returned.
"Beaten like a red-headed stepchild" was a casual expression I heard when younger. I take it that this is a North American expression, but it's my understanding that prejudice against people with red hair is not unknown in the UK. (AIUI it may have its origins in children born of Viking attacks, reminders of trauma and violence in a community.) It doesn't quite rise to the level of being a visible minority, but it's not a million miles from that category.
Anne being an orphan, AFAB, and red-haired made her even more vulnerable. ISTM it may have been what we'd now call a "social justice" decision by Marilla, in defense of a vulnerable person. This would also explain why Marilla is somewhat detached about the decision; it's The Right Thing to Do.
6. Anne is a remarkably compassionate child and is able to forgive even those who have judged her unfairly, such as Mrs. Rachel Lynde or Mrs. Barry. Why, then, do you think she holds such a grudge against Gilbert Blythe?
Gilbert had the gall to point out the unwanted characteristic: her red hair. Annoying as that would be, Anne then behaved in what might have been thought a stereotypically red-headed way, with fury and violence disproportionate to the situation. I think her grudge is based not only on Gilbert's comment but her embarrassment at her reaction, when she lived up to the stereotype.
I don't think I'd reread Rilla of Ingleside. It was interesting as an experience of the First World War, but I'm not choosing to read novels of the First or Second World Wars at the moment.
I had forgotten that two books were written well after the rest, in the mid to late 1930s, but fit chronologically between earlier books. So Rilla of Ingleside is the last book in the series and was written in 1921, but Anne of Ingleside, which portrays Rilla's birth and infancy was written much later.
My first time and thank you to all that joined me in this journey. I enjoyed it much more than I thought I would.
2. A lot of fans of the book identify with Anne, especially if their first read was in childhood. Which character do you relate to the most? If you have read the book multiple times has the character you relate to or identify with changed over time?
If I identified with any characters, they were Gilbert and Matthew. Like Gilbert, and many males, I went through a stage when I did not know how to let young females no I like him. Teasing can sometimes be that default behaviour.
As I approach Matthew’s age, I appreciated his quiet, stoic lifestyle and love for Anne.
3. How vital is the PEI location to the story? Could the story be set in another location given it is popular in numerous countries around the world?
Being from New Brunswick, I can vividly picture the story in PEI. Where else is the red soil such an important part of an area’s character. That said, any small rural area during that time period could host the story.
4. Marilla gives several reasons for finally deciding to keep Anne. What reason do you think most changed her mind?
Kindness. There was no other humane option.
5. Good behavior is very important to Marilla and very difficult for Anne. From where do you think each derives her moral code? How do both characters change, when it comes to behavior? Think, in particular, of Anne’s confessions.
Marilla’s moral code is reflective of her religion and the importance of the social fabric in a small tight-knit community. As Anne ages, and realizes the consequences of some of her impetuous decision, she becomes the thoughtful individual that you would want your children to experience as a teacher.
6. Anne is a remarkably compassionate child and is able to forgive even those who have judged her unfairly, such as Mrs. Rachel Lynde or Mrs. Barry. Why, then, do you think she holds such a grudge against Gilbert Blythe?
She does not want to admit that she is extremely fond of Gilbert. It is easier to compete with someone that you do not admit to loving.
7. Discuss Anne’s reaction to Matthew’s death. How do you think it shows her maturation? How, if at all, do you think she was prepared for it?
She sacrifices her academic future for Marilla. Matthew’s death was inevitable and he was becoming less well. She always had teaching as a Plan B.
8. At the end of the book, Rachel Lynde tells Marilla, “There’s a good deal of the child about her yet in some ways,” and Marilla responds by saying, “There’s a good deal more of the woman about her in others” . What do you make of her comment? How has Anne changed during her time at Green Gables? How has she stayed the same?
Although Anne still had a vivid imagination, it was tempered with a mature love and concern for others.