From Imagination to Community: The Timeless Themes of Anna of Green Gables

Oh my goodness, where do I even begin with my review of Anne of Green Gables? This classic novel by L.M. Montgomery is a delightful romp through the adventures of a spunky and imaginative young girl named Anne Shirley.

From the moment she arrives at Green Gables, Anne captures your heart with her infectious spirit and quirky sense of humor. The charming setting of Prince Edward Island and the vibrant cast of characters who inhabit it will enchant readers as Anne navigates her way through life’s difficulties.

Speaking of characters, let us dive into the book’s protagonist, Anne Shirley. Anne is an orphan who, after a series of mishaps, finds herself adopted by the Cuthberts, an elderly brother and sister who live on a farm in Avonlea, Prince Edward Island. Anne is a feisty and imaginative young girl with a tendency towards daydreaming and flights of fancy. But she is also fiercely loyal to her friends and family and possesses a strong sense of justice and fairness. Over the course of the book, Anne grows from a spirited young girl into a capable and confident young woman while still keeping her trademark wit and imagination.

Next, there are the Cuthberts themselves: Matthew and Marilla. Anne's plucky spirit quickly won Matthew's affection because of his gentle soul, while Marilla, though more reserved and practical, eventually came to love Anne like a daughter. Marilla Cuthbert is one of the central characters in Anne of Green Gables and is a complex and multifaceted character. At initial glance, Marilla can come across as strict, and unyielding, especially when compared to the more exuberant and imaginative Anne. However, as the story progresses, we come to understand that there is much more to Marilla than meets the eye. One of the most striking things about Marilla is her commitment to duty and responsibility. As an unmarried woman in a small rural community, Marilla has taken on a great deal of responsibility, both for her elderly brother Matthew and for the family farm. She is very practical, and well-organized, and she does not have much time for things that are not useful. This can sometimes make her seem harsh or inflexible, but it also speaks to her deep sense of responsibility and her strong work ethic. Despite her initially brusque manner, Marilla has a kind and caring heart, which she often shows through her actions rather than her words. Marilla is a character who embodies various contradictions and complexities, which is what makes her so interesting and relatable. While she can seem stern and unapproachable at times, she also has a deep capacity for love and compassion, and is fiercely loyal to those she cares about. Through her struggles and triumphs, Marilla shows us that even the most seemingly unyielding and rigid people are capable of growth, change, and redemption.

Matthew Cuthbert’s kind heart, gentle nature, and unwavering devotion to Anne Shirley endear him to readers. He is, in fact, my favorite character in the book. Matthew is an elderly bachelor who lives with his sister Marilla on their family farm in Avonlea, Prince Edward Island. Unlike Marilla, who is efficient and no-nonsense, Matthew is shy, and somewhat introverted. He is a man of few words, but his actions speak volumes, and it quickly becomes clear that he is a deeply compassionate person. One of the most striking things about Matthew is his love and admiration for Anne. From the moment he meets her at the train station, he is taken with her fiery spirit and vivid imagination, and he is always quick to defend her and stand up for her, even when Marilla is less than enthusiastic about her presence in their home. Even though Matthew is usually a kind person, he is also very resilient. People look up to him and find comfort in his quiet determination and inner strength. This makes him a well-liked figure in the community. Another aspect of Matthew’s character that is often noted by readers is his humility and selflessness. He is never one to seek attention or praise for his actions, and he always puts the needs of others before his own. For example, he is the one who insists on buying Anne a dress with puffed sleeves, even though it is not something he would normally think to do. Matthew is a character who shows many of the best things about people: kindness, compassion, strength, resilience, and not caring about himself. The dynamic between the three of them, particularly the bond that develops between Anne and Matthew, is one of the most heartwarming aspects of the book.

Other important people in Anne of Green Gables are Anne’s best friend Diana Barry, who is sweet and loyal but shy; Gilbert Blythe, a classmate who teases Anne at first but becomes her close friend and love interest; and Miss Stacy, a young teacher who encourages Anne’s love of learning and helps her reach her full potential. One thing that sets Anne of Green Gables apart from other books of its time is the depth and complexity of its characters. The author treats each character, no matter how minor, with empathy and respect, giving them distinct personalities and backstories. Whether you are drawn to Anne’s spunky charm, Matthew’s quiet kindness, or any of the other memorable characters in the book, you will find someone to root for in this timeless classic.

L.M. Montgomery set Anne of Green Gables in turn-of-the-century Canada, but do not let the book’s quaint setting and old-fashioned language fool you into thinking that it’s outdated. In fact, the themes in Anne of Green Gables are just as important today as they were when the book came out over a hundred years ago. The book discusses things that are still important in modern society, like gender roles, the value of education, and the search for identity. Some other modern challenges that Anne faces, from bullying from her classmates to the loss of loved ones - are still all too familiar. And in a world where social media can sometimes leave us feeling more isolated than ever, the importance of finding a community where we can feel seen and heard is more important than ever.

Since we have already discussed the book’s modern relevance, let us also discuss a few problematic or off-putting aspects. One thing that I have criticized about the book is its portrayal of Native Americans. In one scene, Anne fantasizes about being captured by a tribe of “braves” and imagines herself as a “Indian maiden.” Modern standards may consider this portrayal to be insensitive and culturally in-appropriative, so it’s crucial to acknowledge and criticize these aspects of the book. Some readers might also not like that the book moves slowly and has a lot of description. L.M. Montgomery’s writing is beautiful and evocative, but some readers may get stuck in the long passages that talk about Avonlea’s natural beauty or Anne’s creative thoughts. Even though the book shows strong, independent women and the power of imagination and friendship, some readers may find the book’s ideas about gender roles or other cultural norms to be out of date or even problematic. All that said, it’s important to view Anne of Green Gables in the context of its time and to appreciate the numerous ways in which it has influenced and inspired generations of readers. While it may not be perfect, it remains a cherished classic.

You are probably wondering how I, as a black woman, can enjoy this book. Glad you asked, and here is your answer! As a black woman, it’s understandable to question how a book like Anne of Green Gables, which is set in a specific time and place and centers on the experiences of a white girl in rural Canada, could resonate with your own life and experiences. I, however, as a black woman from a different background—not far, I was raised in the south and consider myself a southern belle, lol—can still find meaning and connection in this classic tale.A t its heart, Anne of Green Gables is a story about belonging and finding one’s place in the world. This is a theme that is universal and transcends race, gender, and geography. As a black woman and as a chucky woman, I can relate to Anne’s feelings of being an outsider or not quite fitting in, or to her struggles to find a community where she feels accepted and valued. Similarly, the book’s celebration of imagination and creativity is something that can speak to anyone who has ever felt stifled or constrained by societal norms or expectations. Anne’s vivid imagination and love of storytelling is a reminder that we all have the power to shape our own narratives and to find joy and beauty in even the most challenging of circumstances. The book might not discuss race or intersectionality directly, but it can still teach readers from all walks of life things they can use. For women of color who are fighting against systemic barriers and discrimination, for instance, the book’s portrayal of strong, independent women who reject society’s expectations or restrictions can be motivating and empowering. Anne of Green Gables may not be a perfect or direct reflection of your own life as a black woman, but it can still give you a lot of relevant and meaningful insights and perspectives. By engaging with the book on your own terms and exploring the themes and ideas that speak to you personally, you may find that it offers a window into a world of possibility and hope that can help you navigate your own journey of self-discovery and growth.

Anne of Green Gables is a timeless classic that has something to offer readers of all ages. Whether you are seeking a heartwarming tale of friendship and imagination or a poignant exploration of loss and belonging, this book has it all. And best of all, it reminds us that no matter how tough things may seem, there is always hope for a brighter tomorrow.

Sidenote: I will also write a review of the film adaptation this week!