Anne of Green Gables

About This Book

Anne of Green Gables begins with a small mistake that changes several lives forever. An elderly brother and sister, Matthew and Marilla Cuthbert, decide to adopt an orphan boy to help with the work on their quiet Prince Edward Island farm. But when Matthew drives to the train station to collect the child, the person waiting for him is not a boy at all — it is a talkative, red-haired girl named Anne Shirley, who has already been imagining every detail of the new life she hopes is waiting for her. Anne is unlike anyone the Cuthberts have ever met. She notices beauty everywhere, renames ordinary places to make them grander, and fills every silence with a flood of eager conversation. Her enormous imagination is both her greatest gift and the source of a great deal of trouble, and the practical, orderly world of Green Gables is not at all prepared for her. From the very first pages, the reader wonders whether this stray, dreamy girl will be allowed to stay — and what she might become if she does. The novel follows Anne as she settles into the small community of Avonlea, makes her first true friends and rivals, attends a one-room school, and slowly turns a strange house into a home. It is a warm, funny, and often touching story about a child searching for a place where she truly belongs.

Anne of Green Gables has stayed beloved for more than a hundred years because Anne herself feels so real: she is imperfect, dramatic, quick-tempered, and full of hope, and readers of middle-school age recognize their own struggles in hers. The book celebrates imagination and kindness while honestly showing how hard it can be to fit in, to control your temper, and to grow up. It rewards readers with humor, memorable scenes, and a heroine who reminds them that being different can be a strength.

Meet the Characters

Anne Shirley

the protagonist, an eleven-year-old orphan girl

Anne Shirley is a talkative, big-hearted orphan with a runaway imagination and a gift for turning ordinary things into wonders. She is quick to feel everything deeply, quick to talk, and quick to dream. As the story opens she has spent her whole life being passed from household to household, and more than anything she longs for a real home and people to belong to.

Marilla Cuthbert

a strict, practical farm woman who helps raise Anne

Marilla Cuthbert runs the Green Gables farm with her brother, and she believes firmly in hard work, tidy rooms, and keeping one's feelings to oneself. She can seem stern and unsmiling, but underneath her strictness is a fair mind and a quietly good heart. As the story opens she is a settled, orderly woman who has never had to think about raising a child.

Matthew Cuthbert

Marilla's shy, gentle brother, a farmer

Matthew Cuthbert is a bashful, kindhearted farmer who dreads talking to strangers and would rather work quietly in his fields than say a word in company. He is loyal, patient, and tender in a way he finds hard to put into words. As the story opens he lives a slow, orderly life with his sister at Green Gables.

Diana Barry

a neighbor girl who becomes Anne's closest friend

Diana Barry is a friendly, good-natured girl who lives on a nearby farm and loves games, secrets, and gossip shared between friends. She is loyal and warm, and though she does not have Anne's wild imagination, she delights in it. As the story opens she is exactly the sort of companion Anne has always wished for.

Gilbert Blythe

a clever, teasing boy in Anne's class at school

Gilbert Blythe is one of the smartest and most popular boys at the Avonlea school, known for being both clever at his lessons and fond of a good joke. He is friendly and self-assured, used to being liked. As the story opens he is simply another pupil in the crowded one-room schoolhouse Anne is about to join.

Pre-Reading Discussion Questions

1. What does the word 'home' mean to you, and what would make a place feel like home?
2. Have you ever been judged by your appearance or first impression before people got to know you? How did it feel?
3. How can a strong imagination be both a wonderful gift and something that gets a person into trouble?
4. What do you think it would be like to arrive somewhere new where no one was expecting you?
5. What makes someone a true friend, and how do you know when you have found one?
6. How do you handle it when you make a mistake or lose your temper? What helps you make things right again?

Themes & Big Ideas to Track

• The search for belonging: watch how Anne tries to find a place and people to call her own.
• Imagination versus reality: notice when Anne's dreaming helps her and when it causes problems.
• First impressions and change: track how characters' opinions of Anne shift as they get to know her.
• Growing up and making mistakes: observe how Anne learns, apologizes, and matures over time.
• The value of nature and beauty: pay attention to how the landscape of Avonlea shapes Anne's happiness.
• Ambition and education: follow Anne's growing love of learning and her hopes for the future.

Chapter-by-Chapter Study Guide

Chapter 1: Mrs. Rachel Lynde Is Surprised

Before you read — think about:

1. What are the good and bad sides of a neighbor who notices everything that happens in a small community?
2. Why might an older brother and sister living alone on a farm decide they need extra help?
3. How do people in a tiny town usually spread news to one another?
4. What worries might someone have about bringing a stranger into their home to live?
5. How can gossip shape the way a whole community feels about a person before they even arrive?

Watch for these while reading:

• How the narrator uses humor to describe Mrs. Rachel Lynde's curiosity.
• The way Green Gables is set apart from the other houses, and what that suggests about Matthew and Marilla.
• Small clues Mrs. Rachel reads to guess what Matthew is up to.
• The reasons the Cuthberts give for wanting a child, and exactly what kind of child they expect.
• Mrs. Rachel's warnings and predictions, which set up expectations the story may overturn.

Vocabulary to know:

intricate (adjective) — Very complicated, detailed, or winding.; decorum (noun) — Proper, polite, and respectable behavior.; ferreted (verb) — Searched out and discovered through persistence.; notable (adjective) — Worthy of attention, remarkable, or well-known.; wont (adjective) — Accustomed or inclined to do something.; gauntlet (noun) — A difficult or hostile passage where one is exposed to scrutiny or danger.; myriad (noun) — An extremely large, nearly endless number of things.; placidly (adverb) — Calmly, quietly, and without showing worry or excitement.; betokened (verb) — Gave a sign, warning, or indication of something.; deftly (adverb) — In a quick, skillful, and clever manner.; ponder (verb) — To think about something carefully and thoroughly.; scant (adjective) — Barely enough, or just short of a full amount.; patriarchal (adjective) — Grand, ancient, or imposing, resembling a dignified family leader.; prim (adjective) — Stiffly neat, proper, and formal.; proverbial (adjective) — Well-known because of a familiar saying or idiom.; bidden (verb) — Invited, requested, or ordered to enter or act.; dissimilarity (noun) — A difference or lack of resemblance between people or things.; aggressively (adverb) — In a bold, forceful, or sharp manner.; rigid (adjective) — Strict, firm, or unwilling to bend or change.; indicative (adjective) — Serving as a sign or suggestion of a particular quality or condition.; unaccountably (adverb) — In a way that cannot be explained or understood; mysteriously.; innovation (noun) — A new idea, method, or change introduced into a routine.; perforce (adverb) — Unavoidably or out of necessity.; spry (adjective) — Active, lively, and nimble, especially when referring to an older person.; chores (noun) — Routine everyday tasks around a household or farm.; disposition (noun) — A person's natural mood, attitude, or general character.; qualms (noun) — Uneasy feelings of doubt, worry, or hesitation.; pessimism (noun) — A tendency to expect the worst possible outcome in any situation.; uncanny (adjective) — Strange, mysterious, or unsettlingly unnatural.; profound (adjective) — Very deep, intense, or significant..

Take the 20+ question chapter quiz →

Chapter 2: Matthew Cuthbert Is Surprised

Before you read — think about:

1. How might a very shy person feel about having to talk to a stranger they've never met?
2. What could go wrong when a message is passed through several people instead of said directly?
3. How can imagination help a person cope with a scary or lonely situation?
4. What might a child who has never had a real home most want or notice on the way to a new one?
5. Why do first impressions on a long trip together sometimes turn out to be surprisingly strong?

Watch for these while reading:

• How Matthew reacts to finding a girl instead of a boy, and what he decides to do about it.
• The way the new child talks — how much, how fast, and about what.
• Names the child invents for the places she sees along the road.
• The one thing about herself she says she can never imagine away.
• How Matthew's feelings toward the child change during the drive.

Vocabulary to know:

sorrel (adjective) — Having a reddish-brown color, especially describing a horse's coat.; farmsteads (noun) — Farms along with their houses, barns, and surrounding buildings.; balsamy (adjective) — Having a sweet, pine-like fragrance characteristic of balsam fir trees.; filmy (adjective) — Thin, delicate, and light enough to see through partially.; bloom (noun) — A blossom or flower, or the state of flowering.; sundry (adjective) — Various or miscellaneous; made up of several different kinds.; personage (noun) — An individual or character, especially one with a notable appearance.; ungainly (adjective) — Awkward, clumsy, or lacking grace.; stooping (adjective) — Bending the head and shoulders forward and downward.; sidled (verb) — Walked or moved sideways in a cautious, shy, or subtle manner.; main (noun) — Full physical strength, power, or exertion.; preparatory (adjective) — Serving to prepare or get ready for an upcoming event.; scope (noun) — Opportunity, freedom, or room for thought, action, or imagination.; gravely (adverb) — In a serious, quiet, and solemn manner.; asylum (noun) — An old-fashioned term for a residential institution providing care to vulnerable people, such as orphans.; cope (verb) — To deal successfully with a difficult or challenging situation.; jauntily (adverb) — In an easy, lively, confident, and cheerful manner.; bearding (verb) — Boldly confronting or standing up to an intimidating person or situation.; garbed (verb) — Dressed or clothed in a particular kind of clothing.; wincey (noun) — A strong, coarse fabric woven from a mixture of wool and cotton.; vivacity (noun) — High spirits, liveliness, and energetic charm.; expressive (adjective) — Effectively showing feelings, thoughts, or meaning.; discerning (adjective) — Showing good judgment and the ability to notice subtle details.; commonplace (adjective) — Ordinary, unremarkable, or dull.; ludicrously (adverb) — In an absurd, foolish, or laughably unreasonable way.; ordeal (noun) — A very difficult, painful, or severe experience.; shabby (adjective) — Worn out, faded, or in poor condition from long use.; carpet-bag (noun) — A heavy traveling bag constructed from thick rug material.; scrawny (adjective) — Uncomfortably thin, small, and bony.; deferred (verb) — Put off or delayed until a later time.; knack (noun) — A special skill, trick, or natural talent for doing something easily.; plump (adjective) — Pleasantly round and full in shape.; missionary (noun) — A person sent to a distant place to do charitable, educational, or religious work.; bliss (noun) — Supreme happiness, great joy, or perfect contentment.; donated (verb) — Gave money, goods, or clothes to help a charity or community cause.; prowling (verb) — Moving around restlessly, curiously, or secretively.; detested (verb) — Disliked or hated intensely.; venture (verb) — To dare to go somewhere or do something that involves risk or discomfort.; tresses (noun) — Long locks, strands, or braids of a person's hair.; resignedly (adverb) — In a manner showing quiet acceptance of an unwanted outcome.; alabaster (adjective) — Smooth, pale white, and clear, like the fine stone alabaster.; ingenuously (adverb) — In an innocent, open, and candidly honest way.; eccentric (adjective) — Unconventional, unusual, or slightly strange in behavior or style.; canopy (noun) — A high, roof-like covering formed overhead by trees, cloth, or arches.; rapturously (adverb) — With intense delight, enthusiasm, or joy.; bustling (adjective) — Full of energetic, lively, and noisy activity.; reverie (noun) — A state of being pleasantly lost in deep thoughts or daydreams.; ethereal (adjective) — Extremely delicate, light, and heavenly in appearance.; elusive (adjective) — Difficult to catch, define, find, or keep in mind.; translucent (adjective) — Allowing light to pass through, but not completely clear.; ruminated (verb) — Thought deeply and repeatedly about a subject.; heathenish (adjective) — Strange, uncivilized, or contrary to traditional manners and customs.; afterlight (noun) — The soft glow left in the sky after the sun has set.; waif (noun) — A homeless, neglected, or helpless child.; quenched (verb) — Extinguished, put out, or completely satisfied..

Take the 20+ question chapter quiz →

Chapter 3: Marilla Cuthbert Is Surprised

Before you read — think about:

1. How would you feel if you arrived somewhere expecting a welcome and discovered you weren't wanted?
2. Why might a person wish to be called by a different, fancier name than their own?
3. How can strong emotions, like despair or joy, affect someone's appetite or behavior?
4. What does it take for a strict, practical adult to show a bit of unexpected softness?
5. How can one family member quietly change another's mind about a big decision?

Watch for these while reading:

• The girl's dramatic reaction when she realizes she may not be kept.
• Her request about her name and how much spelling it matters to her.
• Small moments where Marilla's stern surface cracks into a near-smile.
• How the plain little east gable room makes the girl feel.
• Matthew's quiet hints about what he really wants to happen.

Vocabulary to know:

luminous (adjective) — shining bright, glowing, or full of light; ejaculated (verb) — exclaimed or spoke out suddenly and passionately; wretchedly (adverb) — in a deeply miserable, unhappy, or distressed manner; animation (noun) — liveliness, energy, or spirited emotion visible in a person's expression or behavior; deprecatingly (adverb) — in a way that expresses regret, disapproval, or a desire to lessen bad feelings; tragical (adjective) — dramatically sad, sorrowful, or distressing; mellowed (verb) — softened, relaxed, or became less stern and severe; distinguished (adjective) — having a grand, noble, or impressive appearance or quality; reconcile (verb) — to accept or adjust to a situation that is disappointing or difficult to change; abundance (noun) — a large quantity or overflowing supply of something; reproachfully (adverb) — in a way that shows blame, disappointment, or mild disapproval; shortcoming (noun) — a flaw, fault, or weakness in character or behavior; despair (noun) — the complete feeling of having no hope left; consolation (noun) — a comfort or encouraging thought received after a loss or disappointment; wistfully (adverb) — with a sad, gentle longing or yearning for something out of reach; aforesaid (adjective) — mentioned or spoken of earlier in the text; raiment (noun) — clothing or garments; tempestuous (adjective) — wild, stormy, or violent in appearance or motion; perturbation (noun) — a state of mental distress, worry, or anxiety; predilection (noun) — a special preference or strong liking for something; despatched (verb) — sent off promptly to a specific place or destination; resolutely (adverb) — in a firm, determined, and purposeful manner.

Take the 20+ question chapter quiz →

Chapter 4: Morning at Green Gables

Before you read — think about:

1. How can waking up in a beautiful place change the way a person feels about a hard situation?
2. Why might someone decide NOT to enjoy something they love, to protect their own feelings?
3. How do people who are not used to children sometimes come across as harsh even when they don't mean to be?
4. What is a 'kindred spirit,' and how do you recognize one?
5. How can a quiet person still make their wishes known without arguing out loud?

Watch for these while reading:

• How the view from Anne's window lifts her spirits despite her worry.
• The names Anne gives to a tree and a plant, and what naming means to her.
• Moments when Marilla is short or crisp with Anne, and what really lies behind it.
• Matthew's silent but stubborn way of showing what he wants.
• Matthew's parting comment at the gate about hiring a boy for the summer, and why it matters.

Vocabulary to know:

sash (noun) — a sliding frame that holds the glass panes of a window; boughs (noun) — large main branches of a tree; fragrance (noun) — a sweet, pleasant smell or scent; lush (adjective) — growing thickly, healthily, and abundantly; undergrowth (noun) — bushes, shrubs, and small plants growing beneath taller trees in a forest; lingered (verb) — stayed or remained in a place longer than necessary out of enjoyment or hesitation; curtly (adverb) — spoken or done in a abrupt, brief, or rudely sharp manner; comprehensively (adverb) — in a way that covers or includes everything broadly and thoroughly; radiantly (adverb) — in a bright, glowing, or deeply happy manner; edgewise (adverb) — with the edge leading; used in idioms like 'get a word in edgewise' meaning finding a brief opening to speak; pervading (verb) — spreading or flowing through every part of something; wilderness (noun) — a wild, lonely, or confusing place; here used metaphorically to describe feeling isolated; affliction (noun) — something that causes pain, distress, or hardship; unswervingly (adverb) — steadily and without turning aside or wavering; persistency (noun) — the quality of continuing firmly in a course of action despite obstacles; potent (adjective) — having great power, influence, or effect; effectual (adjective) — producing the desired or intended result; effective; kindred (adjective) — sharing similar values, feelings, or qualities; closely aligned in spirit; threshold (noun) — the entrance or doorway of a building or room; extinguisher (noun) — a device or object used to put out a fire or snuff out light and brightness; martyr (noun) — a person who suffers greatly or exaggerates their suffering to gain sympathy; relinquishing (verb) — giving up, letting go, or surrendering control of something; handles (noun) — personal names or titles given to objects or plants to make them feel familiar and human; intercepted (verb) — caught or caught sight of something before it reached its destination; indignantly (adverb) — in a manner expressing anger or annoyance at unfair treatment.

Take the 20+ question chapter quiz →

Chapter 5: Anne's History

Before you read — think about:

1. How can choosing to focus on the good in a situation change how you experience it?
2. What can you learn about a person by hearing the story of how they grew up?
3. Why might someone downplay or make excuses for people who did not treat them well?
4. How can listening to someone's past change the way you feel about them?
5. What does it mean to 'read between the lines' of what a person tells you?

Watch for these while reading:

• Anne's decision to enjoy the drive on purpose, and how she manages her own feelings.
• The plain facts of Anne's life before Green Gables — the families she lived with and why she kept moving.
• How Anne describes the adults who raised her, and what she chooses not to say.
• The change stirring in Marilla's heart as she listens.
• Small hints that Marilla is starting to consider letting Anne stay.

Vocabulary to know:

confidentially (adverb) — spoken or done in a private, trusting manner; bewitching (adjective) — enchanting, charming, or captivating; mercilessly (adverb) — in a harsh, unfeeling manner without showing pity; heroine (noun) — a principal female character in a story, known for noble qualities or courage; inculcate (verb) — to teach or instill an idea or habit through repeated instruction; thistle (noun) — a wild plant with prickly leaves and purple or pink flowers; moderation (noun) — the quality of avoiding extremes and staying within reasonable limits; succession (noun) — a series of people or things following one after another in order; faltered (verb) — hesitated or stumbled while speaking or acting; embarrassment (noun) — a feeling of self-consciousness, shame, or awkwardness; abstractedly (adverb) — in a preoccupied, distracted, or absent-minded manner; drudgery (noun) — hard, boring, or repetitive work; divine (verb) — to figure out or discover something through intuition or subtle clues; indulge (verb) — to yield to or satisfy a desire or wish; whim (noun) — a sudden, unexpected desire or impulse; teachable (adjective) — open and willing to learn new things; tussle (noun) — a vigorous struggle, fight, or scuffle; coves (noun) — small, sheltered bays along a coastline; inlaid (adjective) — set flat into a surface to form a decorative pattern or design; shimmering (adjective) — shining with a soft, flickering, or wavering light; pinions (noun) — the outer parts of a bird's wings, or wings in general; swoop (verb) — to dive or sweep down rapidly through the air; mournfully (adverb) — in a sad, sorrowful, or tragic manner.

Take the 20+ question chapter quiz →

Chapter 6: Marilla Makes Up Her Mind

Before you read — think about:

1. When two adults disagree about a big decision, what might finally change one of their minds?
2. How can meeting an unpleasant alternative make someone appreciate a choice they were unsure about?
3. Why is it risky to pass an important message through several different people?
4. What signs might tell you whether a household would be a kind or a harsh place to live?
5. How can a person show they care about someone without saying it directly?

Watch for these while reading:

• How the garbled message about a 'boy' versus a 'girl' actually happened.
• The contrast between Mrs. Blewett and the Cuthberts as possible guardians.
• The exact moment Marilla's feelings about Anne begin to shift.
• How Anne reacts when a sliver of hope appears.
• The conditions Marilla sets before agreeing to anything.

Vocabulary to know:

benevolent (adjective) — Having a kind, generous, and caring nature.; blight (noun) — A depressing influence or something that ruins hope and joy.; corroborated (verb) — Confirmed or backed up a statement with additional evidence.; heedlessness (noun) — A careless lack of attention to danger or consequences.; providential (adjective) — Happening at an unusually lucky or convenient time, as if guided by good fortune.; shrewish (adjective) — Ill-tempered, nagging, and harsh in speech or personality.; superfluous (adjective) — Extra, unnecessary, or beyond what is needed.; ottoman (noun) — A low, padded seat or footstool without a back or arms.; stipulations (noun) — Specific rules, requirements, or conditions that must be met in an agreement.; wiry (adjective) — Lean, slender, but surprisingly strong and tough.; fractious (adjective) — Irritable, easily upset, or difficult to control.; conviction (noun) — A firm, unwavering belief or strong feeling of certainty.; ungraciously (adverb) — Done in a rude, unwelcoming, or unpleasant manner.; transfigured (verb) — Transformed completely in appearance, usually into something brighter or more joyful.; quest (noun) — A search or hunt undertaken to find or accomplish something.; gimlet (noun) — A small hand tool used for boring holes, used figuratively to describe someone with a sharp, piercing look.; reproved (verb) — Scolded, criticized, or corrected someone for bad behavior.; meekly (adverb) — In a quiet, gentle, and submissive manner.; vim (noun) — Lively energy, spirit, and vigor.; contempt (noun) — A feeling of deep disrespect or scorn toward someone or something..

Take the 20+ question chapter quiz →

Chapter 7: Anne Says Her Prayers

Before you read — think about:

1. Why might a child who has been moved from home to home never have learned certain everyday habits?
2. How can the words of a poem or prayer be beautiful to someone even apart from their meaning?
3. What happens when an adult tries to teach a rule to a child who has never heard of it before?
4. How might someone's hard past shape the way they feel about God or fairness?
5. Why do people sometimes reveal the most about themselves in small, ordinary moments?

Watch for these while reading:

• The tidiness rule Marilla lays down and why Anne forgot it before.
• What Anne already knows about religion and where she learned it.
• Anne's unusual ideas about how and where she would really like to pray.
• The surprising way Anne ends her first prayer.
• How Marilla's hidden sense of humor peeks through her strictness.

Vocabulary to know:

harrowed (adjective) — deeply distressed, troubled, or upset; admonished (verb) — warned or scolded someone gently but firmly; glibly (adverb) — speaking smoothly and quickly without deep thought or genuine feeling; catechism (noun) — a summary of religious principles taught through a series of questions and answers; assented (verb) — agreed to a request, opinion, or suggestion; oblige (verb) — to do a favor for someone or help them out of kindness; interjected (verb) — interrupted a conversation to add a quick remark or comment; flowery (adjective) — using overly fancy, elaborate, or decorative language; irreverence (noun) — a lack of proper respect or seriousness toward something sacred or honored; petition (noun) — an earnest, formal request or prayer; luxuriously (adverb) — in a deeply comfortable, cozy, or delightful manner; manse (noun) — a house provided by a church community for its minister or pastor to live in.

Take the 20+ question chapter quiz →

Chapter 8: Anne's Bringing-up Is Begun

Before you read — think about:

1. Why can waiting to hear important news feel almost unbearable?
2. What does it mean to truly 'belong' to a family, beyond just living in the same house?
3. How can a lonely child use imagination to create the friends or comfort they lack?
4. Why might someone daydream in the middle of chores, and how could that cause problems?
5. What qualities would you most want in a best friend?

Watch for these while reading:

• How Marilla finally tells Anne the news, and Anne's unexpected reaction.
• Anne's wish about what to call Marilla, and Marilla's answer.
• The imaginary friends Anne describes from her past.
• How Anne responds to the picture on the sitting-room wall.
• The hint about a real friend Anne might soon meet.

Vocabulary to know:

bosom (adjective) — intimate, deeply cherished, and exceptionally close (as in a companion); forenoon (noun) — the morning hours before midday; reprimand (noun) — a severe, formal scolding or sharp warning; catastrophe (noun) — a sudden disaster or complete failure; dilated (verb) — became wider or larger; imploring (adjective) — begging or pleading earnestly; immovably (adverb) — firmly and stubbornly, without changing stance or opinion; bewilderment (noun) — a state of total confusion or puzzlement; fortnight (noun) — a period of two weeks; mantelpiece (noun) — a shelf above a fireplace; apologetically (adverb) — in a way that shows regret or asks for forgiveness; discourse (verb) — to speak or converse at length about a subject; astar (adjective) — shining bright or sparkling like stars; vivid (adjective) — producing strong, bright, or strikingly clear images in the mind; chromo (noun) — a color print made using lithography (popular in the 19th century); askance (adverb) — with suspicion, distrust, or disapproval; intently (adverb) — with eager, fixed, and concentrated attention; hallowed (adjective) — holy, sacred, or deeply respected; diligently (adverb) — with steady, energetic, and careful effort; endure (verb) — to bear, tolerate, or put up with something unpleasant; inconsequently (adverb) — casually or without logical connection to the topic; intoxicated (adjective) — drunk or impaired by alcohol; preserves (noun) — fruit cooked with sugar and sealed in jars for keeping; fickle (adjective) — frequently changing one's interests, feelings, or loyalties; irresistible (adjective) — too attractive or enticing to be resisted; brocade (noun) — a rich fabric woven with raised, decorative patterns; tapestry (noun) — a heavy piece of textile fabric with woven pictures, hung on walls; mahogany (noun) — a high-quality, reddish-brown tropical wood; regal (adjective) — royal, magnificent, and fit for a queen or king; clad (adjective) — dressed or covered in a specific type of clothing; pallor (noun) — an unnatural paleness of the skin.

Take the 20+ question chapter quiz →

Chapter 9: Mrs. Rachel Lynde Is Properly Horrified

Before you read — think about:

1. Why do some people pride themselves on 'speaking their mind,' and how can that hurt others?
2. What is the difference between admitting a flaw about yourself and hearing someone else point it out?
3. How might a child who has been treated unkindly react to a stranger's harsh words?
4. When is anger understandable, and when does it still lead a person to behave wrongly?
5. How can a grown-up's own childhood memories change the way they treat a child?

Watch for these while reading:

• How Anne has spent her first two weeks exploring and naming the land.
• Exactly what Mrs. Rachel says that sets Anne off.
• The intensity of Anne's outburst and the words she chooses.
• Marilla's surprising reaction to the scene.
• A memory of Marilla's own that shapes how she feels.

Vocabulary to know:

grippe (noun) — an old-fashioned term for the flu or influenza; unseasonable (adjective) — occurring at an unusual or unexpected time of year; suppositions (noun) — ideas or beliefs formed without solid evidence; guesses; vagaries (noun) — unexpected, erratic, or unpredictable changes and twists; coppice (noun) — a dense thicket or small grove of small trees; gossamers (noun) — fine, delicate cobwebs often seen floating in the air or on plants; tremulous (adjective) — shaking or quivering slightly from nervousness or weakness; abashed (adjective) — embarrassed, ashamed, or self-conscious; obtrusive (adjective) — unpleasantly noticeable or intrusive; consternation (noun) — feelings of sudden anxiety, dismay, or shock caused by something unexpected; undauntedly (adverb) — courageously and fearlessly, refusing to be discouraged by danger or difficulty; vehemently (adverb) — with intense, forceful, or passionate feeling; solemnity (noun) — a state or quality of deep seriousness and dignity; vexed (adjective) — annoyed, frustrated, or deeply irritated; enormity (noun) — the extreme seriousness, scale, or outrageously bad nature of an offense; oblivious (adjective) — totally unaware of or paying no attention to what is happening around oneself; counterpane (noun) — a decorative bedspread or top quilt covering a bed; evasive (adjective) — avoiding a direct answer or confrontation; indirect and slippery; rankle (verb) — to cause persistent resentment, annoyance, or emotional pain over time; reprehensible (adjective) — deserving severe blame, criticism, or strong moral disapproval; dumbfounded (adjective) — speechlessly amazed, shocked, or astonished; waddled (verb) — walked with short steps while swaying clumsily from side to side; visitations (noun) — severe trials or hardships viewed as punishments or tests sent by a higher power; retorted (verb) — replied quickly in a sharp, angry, or witty manner; exhaling (verb) — breathing out or giving off a strong feeling or atmosphere.

Take the 20+ question chapter quiz →

Chapter 10: Anne's Apology

Before you read — think about:

1. How can a person's anger fade overnight and turn into a different feeling by morning?
2. Who in your life could most easily persuade you to do something you were resisting?
3. What is the difference between apologizing because you must and apologizing because you mean it?
4. Can someone be truly sorry and still enjoy the drama of making a big apology?
5. How do small gestures, like taking someone's hand, sometimes say more than words?

Watch for these while reading:

• How Matthew quietly gets involved despite promising not to interfere.
• The way Anne's mood shifts between refusing and agreeing to apologize.
• How Anne performs her apology and what she seems to feel during it.
• Mrs. Lynde's change of heart and the hopeful comment she offers.
• The tender moment between Anne and Marilla on the walk home.

Vocabulary to know:

refractory (adjective) — Stubborn, unmanageable, or resisting control.; consolatory (adjective) — Intended to give comfort or sympathy in a moment of disappointment.; rejoinder (noun) — A quick, sharp, or clever reply.; obdurate (adjective) — Completely stubborn and unwilling to change one's mind or course of action.; depleted (adjective) — Significantly reduced, drained, or emptied out.; gravitated (verb) — Moved naturally toward or was drawn to a particular person, place, or thing.; wanly (adverb) — In a weak, pale, or weary manner.; prematurely (adverb) — Occurring or done before the proper or expected time.; humiliating (adjective) — Causing a painful loss of pride, dignity, or self-respect.; plaintive (adjective) — Sounding sad, mournful, or sorrowful.; banisters (noun) — The handrail and supporting posts along a staircase.; dejected (adjective) — Sad, dispirited, and feeling defeated.; exhilaration (noun) — A strong feeling of excitement, joy, and high energy.; behooved (verb) — Was necessary, proper, or appropriate for someone to do.; penitent (noun) — A person who feels or expresses genuine regret and sorrow for doing wrong.; askew (adverb) — Not in the straight, correct, or expected position; crookedly.; beseechingly (adverb) — In a begging, desperate, or pleading manner.; abasement (noun) — The act of lowering or humbling oneself completely.; plumed (verb) — Prided or congratulated oneself on an achievement or trait.; officious (adjective) — Overly eager to offer unwanted advice, interference, or authority.; auburn (adjective) — Having a rich, reddish-brown color.; benefactor (noun) — A person who gives money, help, or other valuable support to a person or cause.; forcible (adjective) — Strong, powerful, and emphatic in expression or style.; sheaf (noun) — A bundle of cut plants, flowers, or papers tied or held together.; twit (verb) — To tease, taunt, or poke fun at someone about something.; gyrations (noun) — Rapid spinning, twisting, or circular movements.; maternity (noun) — The quality, feeling, or state of being a mother..

Take the 20+ question chapter quiz →

About the Author

Lucy Maud Montgomery (1874-1942) was a Canadian author who grew up on Prince Edward Island, the same beautiful, rural setting she used for Anne of Green Gables. Raised largely by her grandparents after her mother died, she drew on her own childhood love of reading, nature, and daydreaming to create Anne. Published in 1908, the novel became an instant success, and Montgomery went on to write many more books, several of them continuing Anne's story into adulthood.

The novel is set in rural Prince Edward Island, Canada, around the turn of the twentieth century, a time when farm families relied on their own hard work, children walked to small one-room schoolhouses, and orphans were often taken in to help with labor. Formal education for girls was becoming more common but still limited, which makes Anne's ambition and love of learning notable for her time. Written in the tradition of gentle, character-driven 'domestic' novels, Anne of Green Gables helped define a lasting style of heartfelt, coming-of-age storytelling for young readers.