Summary
Written for readers of all ages, Anne of Green Gables is a beloved 1908 novel by Canadian author Lucy Maud Montgomery. Set in the late 19th century on Prince Edward Island, Canada, the story follows Anne Shirley, an imaginative and spirited 11-year-old orphan. By an error, Anne is sent to live with Marilla and Matthew Cuthbert, siblings in their later years, who had intended to adopt a boy to assist them with their farm, Green Gables, in the quaint town of Avonlea. Though initially taken aback by Anne's arrival, the Cuthberts agree to let her stay, a decision that marks the beginning of many adventures and a transformation in not only their lives but also many others.
Throughout the novel, Anne's vivacity and imaginative spirit bring a new lease of life to Green Gables and the wider community. Her encounters at the Avonlea school, her deep friendship with Diana Barry, and her competitive yet eventually cordial relationship with classmate Gilbert Blythe weave a rich tapestry of events marking her coming-of-age journey. Montgomery also highlights Anne's internal struggles, including her dislike for her red hair and freckles, her thirst for belonging and love, and her ambitious dreams, intertwined with moments of mischief and misunderstanding.
The novel not only explores themes of family, acceptance, and personal growth but also depicts the social fabric and landscape of Prince Edward Island, drawing on Montgomery's own experiences and surroundings. Since its publication, Anne of Green Gables has become one of the most cherished novels in children’s literature, translated into numerous languages and adapted into various media, including films, television series, and stage productions. Its lasting popularity is a testament to Anne Shirley’s universal appeal as a character who embodies the power of resilience, the value of imagination, and the importance of finding "kindred spirits."
Themes
Individuality and self-affirmation
Importance of imagination and creativity
Value of friendship and companionship
The search for a place to call home and family bonds
Transformation and personal growth
Adapting to change and overcoming challenges
Acceptance and understanding among community members
Education and the pursuit of one's dreams
The beauty and inspiration of nature
Kindness, empathy, and compassion
Setting
Anne of Green Gables is set on Prince Edward Island, Canada, a place entwined with traditions, community spirit, and an intimate connection to the land, during the late Victorian era, a time of transition. The novel offers a vivid portrayal of rural Canadian life during this period, centered on Anne Shirley, a spirited orphan girl. The story unfolds in the fictional town of Avonlea, a close-knit farming community characterized by its slow-paced lifestyle. Inspired by Lucy Maud Montgomery's own experiences growing up in rural Cavendish, Prince Edward Island, this setting is crucial to the narrative, providing not only a backdrop for Anne’s adventures but also playing a significant role in shaping her character.
The geographical and social setting of Anne of Green Gables provides the canvas upon which Anne’s personality, with all its imagination, vibrancy, and evolution, is drawn. Prince Edward Island, with its picturesque landscapes and distinctive seasons, becomes a character in its own right, influencing the lives of individuals and the community of Avonlea. Green Gables, the farmhouse where Anne resides with Marilla and Matthew Cuthbert, embodies warmth, stability, and nurturing care. As such, the setting plays a pivotal role in the development of the narrative, contributing to the novel’s enduring charm and appeal across generations.
Characters
Anne Shirley: An imaginative, talkative, red-haired orphan who comes to live with Matthew and Marilla Cuthbert at age 11. Anne is outgoing but also very sensitive, especially about the color of her hair and her freckles. She longs for acceptance and belonging.
Marilla Cuthbert: Matthew's sister, an austere but fair woman who has the "glimmerings of a sense of humor." She tries to instill discipline in Anne but grows to love her vivacity and joy.
Matthew Cuthbert: Marilla's brother, a shy, kind man who takes a liking to Anne from the start. He becomes a close friend and father figure to Anne.
Diana Barry: Anne's best friend, or "bosom friend," as Anne fondly calls her. She is the only girl of Anne's age who lives close to Green Gables.
Gilbert Blythe: A handsome, smart classmate of Anne who initially angers her but eventually becomes a good friend.
Ruby Gillis: One of Anne's friends, known for her knowledge of "beaux" due to her several "grown-up" sisters.
Jane Andrews: A friend of Anne from school, characterized as plain and sensible.
Josie Pye: A vain, dishonest, and sharp-tongued classmate of Anne.
Prissy Andrews: Another school companion of Anne, known for her assumed relationship with the teacher, Mr. Phillips.
Mrs. Rachel Lynde: A notable busybody in the community but also industrious and charitable. She initially clashes with Anne but later becomes a close acquaintance.
Mr. Phillips: Anne's first school teacher, who is unpopular with his students for his lack of discipline and unfair treatment.
Miss Muriel Stacy: Anne's replacement teacher, known for her warm and sympathetic nature, and modern teaching methods.
Mr. & Mrs. Allan: The minister and his wife, who befriend Anne, with Mrs. Allan becoming particularly close to her.
Mr. & Mrs. Barry: Diana's parents. Mr. Barry is a farmer who helps Anne and Marilla out late in the book, while Mrs. Barry is a strict parent who initially forbids Diana from seeing Anne after an unfortunate incident.
Minnie May Barry: Diana's younger sister, whose life is saved by Anne during a health crisis.
Miss Josephine Barry: Diana's wealthy great-aunt, who is charmed by Anne and becomes another of her benefactors.
Mrs. Hammond: A widow with eight children with whom Anne lived prior to coming to Green Gables. She treated young Anne like a servant.
Quick facts
Originally published in 1908, Anne of Green Gables has been translated into at least 36 languages and sold more than 50 million copies worldwide, making it one of the bestselling books of all time.
Lucy Maud Montgomery’s inspiration for the character of Anne Shirley came from an old photograph of Evelyn Nesbit, which the author had clipped from Metropolitan, a monthly magazine published in New York City, and kept on her bedroom wall.
Montgomery wrote the novel by drawing on her own childhood experiences in rural Prince Edward Island, and the settings in the book are based on real locations she was familiar with.
The book was an instant success, selling more than 19,000 copies in the first five months after its release.
The original manuscript of Anne of Green Gables is preserved and held by the Confederation Centre of the Arts in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island.
The novel has inspired numerous adaptations, including films, television series (both live-action and animated), stage plays, and musicals, with productions annually in Canada, Europe, and Japan.
In Japan, Anne of Green Gables is known as Akage no An (Red-haired Anne) and has been part of the national school curriculum since 1952.
Montgomery disapproved of early film adaptations of her work, especially the 1919 silent film version, for its departure from her book and the Americanization of the setting and characters.
The Green Gables farm, which inspired the book's setting, is now a major tourist attraction on Prince Edward Island, drawing fans from around the world.
In 2008, a prequel titled Before Green Gables was published by Budge Wilson to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the original book's publication.
About the author
Lucy Maud Montgomery (1874-1942) was a Canadian author, celebrated for her series of novels beginning with Anne of Green Gables, published in 1908. Her literary contributions include 20 novels, more than 500 short stories, 500 poems, and 30 essays. In 1935, she was recognized as an Officer of the Order of the British Empire.
Born in Clifton, Prince Edward Island, Montgomery lost her mother to tuberculosis when she was a girl, which led her to be raised by her maternal grandparents in Cavendish. An imaginative and prolific writer from a young age, she pursued her passion for literature despite facing several personal challenges, including struggles with depression. Her novels went beyond the enchantment of childhood, addressing themes of belonging, resilience, and the beauty of nature, often drawing on her own experiences and surroundings for inspiration. Her stories have transcended generations and geography, capturing the hearts of readers worldwide and inspiring numerous screen and stage adaptations.
Montgomery's legacy extends beyond her publications. Her personal journals, detailing her life from childhood through to her later years, offer invaluable insight into the mind of a gifted writer navigating the trials of her time. She left behind a rich tapestry of work that continues to be celebrated by the L.M. Montgomery Institute, among other institutions dedicated to preserving her memory and honoring her influence in literary and academic circles.
