Anne Of Green Gables

What is it about Anne that endears her to other people? Throughout the text, she wins over most people who meet her (except for Josie Pye, of course). Discuss her most valuable character traits, both the positive and the questionable ones, and their impact on her personal relationships.

What does the term “kindred spirit” mean to you? For Anne, kindred spirits are those persons with whom she shares a special connection—the “friends of her heart,” so to speak. Matthew, Diana, Miss Stacy: what do all of these people have in common? What do they offer Anne?

What is the immediate connection between Anne and Diana? Anne certainly is quick to call Diana “a bosom friend’ and propose the swearing of allegiance to each other. Is this reflective of Anne being hungry for an actual true friendship, or is she truly such a good judge of character that she could see Diana’s potential right away?

Though Anne handles most hardships with a trip into her imagination, she cannot bear to be teased about her looks. In those cases, she flies into a rage, often stooping to violent acts or vehement insults against someone’s character. Why is Anne so protective of her appearance? What does it say about the importance of appearance in society?

From the beginning, Matthew makes it clear that he will not try and raise Anne. However, his behind-the-scenes statements and actions often play a significant role in the woman Anne becomes. Marilla is the central figure in the raising of Anne, but her approach is often gruff and practical. Consider both Matthew and Marilla and their different approaches and evaluate the impact their different styles have on Anne’s upbringing.

How does Matthew’s tragic death serve as a catalyst in the novel? How does his death progress certain relationships in the story?

Anne overlooks Gilbert’s steadiness as a friend many times, but in what ways are they similar? What does their academic competition reveal about each of them?

Throughout the text, Anne’s courage in the face of tribulations highlights how mature she is compared to others her own age. How does the sacrifice she makes at the end of the novel provide even greater insight into her character?