Summary
Anne of Avonlea, published in 1909, is Lucy Maud Montgomery's sequel to the widely beloved Anne of Green Gables. This charming novel continues the story of the spirited Anne Shirley, now 16 years old and embarking on her career as a schoolteacher in Avonlea. Set on Prince Edward Island, the book explores Anne's growth into young adulthood, her adventures in teaching, and her increasing awareness of romantic feelings. While retaining her imaginative nature, Anne faces new challenges and responsibilities. The novel has inspired several adaptations, with the most famous being the 1987 CBC Television miniseries Anne of Green Gables: The Sequel, which aired as Anne of Avonlea on the Disney Channel in the United States.
Plot
In Anne of Avonlea, Anne Shirley begins her career as a teacher at the Avonlea school while continuing her own studies with Gilbert Blythe. The story introduces new characters, including Anne's neighbor Mr. Harrison and his parrot, as well as twins Davy and Dora Keith, whom Marilla takes in. Anne faces the challenges of teaching and managing her mischievous student Davy, while also helping to organize the Avonlea Village Improvement Society.
Throughout the novel, Anne encounters various misadventures, such as mistakenly selling Mr. Harrison's cow and getting stuck in a duck house roof. She befriends Paul Irving, an imaginative student from the United States, and meets Miss Lavendar Lewis, a lonely woman in her 40s. Anne's matchmaking efforts lead to a reunion between Miss Lavendar and Paul's widowed father, culminating in their marriage.
As the story progresses, Mrs. Rachel Lynde moves in with Marilla at Green Gables following her husband's death. This change allows Anne to pursue her dream of attending college. The novel concludes with Anne and Gilbert making plans to enroll at Redmond College, marking a new chapter in Anne's life as she continues to mature and grow.
Themes
Coming of age and maturation
Responsibility and duty
Community and social improvement
Love and romance
Friendship and loyalty
Imagination and creativity
Tradition versus progress in education
Setting
Set in the early 1900s, Anne of Avonlea continues the story of the spirited orphan Anne Shirley on Prince Edward Island, Canada. The novel takes place primarily in the small, rural village of Avonlea, where Anne, now 16, has transitioned from student to teacher at the local school. The setting reflects the idyllic charm of turn-of-the-century Maritime Canada, with its close-knit community, picturesque landscapes, and slower pace of life.
While Avonlea serves as the main backdrop, the story also ventures to nearby locations like White Sands, where Gilbert Blythe teaches, and Echo Lodge, home to the eccentric Miss Lavendar Lewis. These surrounding areas expand the geographical scope of Anne's world, introducing new characters and experiences that shape her growth as a young adult.
The era is characterized by its blend of traditional values and emerging modernities. As Anne and her peers navigate the transition to adulthood, they encounter societal expectations regarding education, courtship, and community involvement. The formation of the Avonlea Village Improvement Society reflects the progressive spirit of the time, as young people strive to make their mark on their beloved hometown while honoring its cherished traditions.
Characters
Anne Shirley: The novel’s 16-year-old protagonist. As the new teacher at Avonlea school, Anne remains imaginative, charming, and prone to misadventures.
Marilla Cuthbert: Anne's adoptive mother, who has softened over the years but remains outwardly stern.
Gilbert Blythe: Anne's friend and fellow teacher, who harbors romantic feelings for her.
Diana Barry: Anne's best friend since childhood, who is more pragmatic and fiercely loyal.
Davy Keith: One of the orphan twins taken in by Marilla. Davy is mischievous and constantly getting into trouble.
Dora Keith: Davy's twin sister, well-behaved and obedient, serving as his foil.
Mr. J.A. Harrison: Anne's new grumpy neighbor who eventually becomes her friend.
Paul Irving: One of Anne's imaginative students, who reminds her of her younger self.
Miss Lavendar Lewis: A whimsical spinster in her 40s who befriends Anne.
Rachel Lynde: Marilla's opinionated friend who moves in with them after her husband's death.
Jane Andrews: Anne's childhood friend, who also becomes a teacher.
Fred Wright: Gilbert's friend, who becomes engaged to Diana.
Anthony Pye: Anne's most difficult student, whom she eventually wins over.
Charlotta the Fourth: Miss Lavendar's awkward but well-meaning maid.
Stephen Irving: Paul's father and Miss Lavendar's former sweetheart who returns later in the story.
Quick facts
Anne of Avonlea was published in 1909 as the first sequel to Anne of Green Gables.
The novel follows Anne from ages 16 to 18 and focuses on her experiences as a new teacher at the Avonlea school.
Anne of Avonlea is the second of eight books in the Anne series, though it was the third one Lucy Maud Montgomery wrote.
Anne of Avonlea introduces new characters like the mischievous orphan Davy Keith and his twin sister Dora.
The novel reflects changing educational philosophies of the early 1900s, with Anne using progressive teaching methods.
Montgomery based some elements in the novel on her own experiences as a young teacher.
Anne of Avonlea has been adapted into film, TV, and stage productions multiple times since its publication.
The novel explores themes of community, personal growth, and the transition from adolescence to adulthood.
Anne of Avonlea helped solidify Anne as an iconic character in Canadian literature.
About the Author
Lucy Maud Montgomery was a prolific Canadian author best known for her novel Anne of Green Gables and its sequels. Born in 1874 on Prince Edward Island, Montgomery had a difficult childhood after her mother's early death and being raised by strict grandparents. She found solace in writing, publishing her first poem at age 15. Montgomery went on to become one of Canada's most beloved authors, publishing 20 novels and over 500 short stories and poems in her lifetime.
Montgomery's most famous work, Anne of Green Gables, was published in 1908 and became an immediate success. The novel follows the adventures of Anne Shirley, a spirited orphan girl sent to live with an elderly brother and sister on Prince Edward Island. The book and its sequels were beloved by readers around the world for their vivid descriptions of rural Canadian life and Anne's imaginative personality. Montgomery drew inspiration from her own experiences growing up on Prince Edward Island for the setting and characters.
Despite her professional success, Montgomery struggled with depression throughout her adult life. She had an unhappy marriage to a Presbyterian minister who also suffered from depression and religious melancholia. Montgomery channeled her emotional turmoil into her writing, producing beloved works like the Emily trilogy and The Blue Castle alongside the Anne books. She meticulously recorded her thoughts and experiences in journals, which provide insight into her inner life and creative process.
Montgomery's legacy as an author remains strong decades after her death in 1942. Her books continue to be widely read and have been adapted into films, television series, and stage productions. Montgomery was designated a Person of National Historic Significance by the Canadian government in 1943. Her home on Prince Edward Island is now a popular tourist site, with thousands of visitors coming each year to see the landscapes that inspired Anne of Green Gables and Montgomery's other beloved works.
