A Comprehensive Analysis of Literary Protagonists - Sykalo Evgen 2023

Anne Shirley - “Anne of Green Gables” by L.M. Montgomery

Anne Shirley's Character Analysis

Anne Shirley is a legendary figure in the world of literary characters, enthralling readers with her vibrant spirit, creative mind, and steadfast resilience. For more than a century, Lucy Maud Montgomery's novel Anne of Green Gables has captivated readers and left an enduring impression on the children's book industry.

Determining the Type of Character

Throughout the book, Anne Shirley, a lively heroine, experiences considerable transformations. She is initially presented as a creative and lively orphan with a flair for dramatization and lots of dreams. She does, however, learn to control her impulsivity, develop empathy, and accept humility as she makes her way through the challenges of life at Green Gables and in the Avonlea community.

Examining the Character's Place in the Narrative

The protagonist of the book, Anne, propels the story forward with her contagious enthusiasm and unyielding resolve. The Cuthbert family's calm is disturbed by her presence at Green Gables, which puts their stoic manner to the test and brings in a storm of emotions. Through her relationships with Gilbert Blythe, Diana Barry, the Cuthberts, and the larger community, Anne transforms into a force for positive change, motivating people with her boundless enthusiasm for life and faith in the creative potential of all people.

Analyzing the Past of the Character

Anne's upbringing colors her outlook and directs her behavior. She was abandoned as a child and endured rejection, loneliness, and a persistent sensation of being alone. Her desire for security, acceptance, and a place to call home is fueled by her past. She uses her creative impulses as a coping technique, retreating into her own imaginary world to gain comfort from the harsh truths of her background.

Examining the Personality Traits of the Character

Anne is a complicated, multidimensional character with a mix of admirable and difficult qualities. Among her distinguishing traits are:

Imagination: Anne can get into a lot of mischief, but she also has a great imagination. It gives her the ability to elevate the ordinary into the spectacular and add color and adventure to her life. But occasionally, her propensity to lose herself in her imagination causes misunderstandings and unexpected outcomes.

Optimism: Anne's steadfast optimism is evidence of her tenacity. She has endured a lot, yet she has never lost hope because she thinks that people are inherently kind and that the world is beautiful.

Impulsivity: Anne frequently gets into problems as a result of her impulsivity. Her propensity to take action without thinking through the repercussions occasionally leads to strained relationships, broken promises, and self-inflicted injuries.

Enthusiasm: Anne is passionate about everything, including her love of the outdoors, her friendships, and her academic endeavors. Her passion and energy are contagious, enticing people to enter her universe.

Empathy: As Anne becomes older, she gains a greater comprehension of the thoughts and emotions of other people. She gains the ability to show compassion for others who are different from her and to temper her harsh judgments.

Assessing the Character's Interactions

Anne's development and progress are significantly influenced by her relationships. Among her most important relationships are:

Matthew Cuthbert: Anne feels safe and loved without conditions thanks to Matthew's kind disposition and steadfast support. Their relationship is proof of the transforming power of compassion and the strength of familial love.

Marilla Cuthbert: Anne is forced to think through the implications of her actions by Marilla's practical outlook and strict manner, which both test her impetuous tendencies. Even though there is a lot of conflict in their relationship, Marilla's influence aids Anne in growing up and becoming disciplined.

Diana Barry: Anne finds company, acceptance, and a sense of belonging thanks to Diana's friendship. They can overcome the difficulties of puberty together because of their connection, which brings them comfort and happiness.

Gilbert Blythe: Their relationship became complicated and dynamic as a result of Gilbert's early taunting and Anne's savage retorts. They grow to respect and admire each other as they become older, and this eventually blossoms into a passionate, long-lasting love.

Examining the Character's Behavior

Anne is motivated by a confluence of her ambitions, her personality, and the difficulties she encounters. Although she frequently gets into problems due to her impetuous attitude, she also shows bravery, tenacity, and a willingness to take chances. Both the good and bad things she does help her grow and change and make her into a more compassionate and well-rounded person.

Finding the Conflicts in the Character

Anne is dealing with a lot of internal and external issues. She struggles with her impulsivity, her fears, and her need for acceptance on an internal level. On the outside, she faces difficulties adjusting to a new setting, negotiating interpersonal relationships, and getting beyond social and intellectual obstacles.

Readers are drawn in by Anne Shirley, the adored lead character in L.M. Montgomery's "Anne of Green Gables," because of her vibrant personality, creative imagination, and unflinching perseverance. Her story of self-discovery, development, and the transforming power of love and acceptance is told from the perspective of an orphaned kid to a beloved member of the Avonlea community.

Anne's Encounter at Green Gables: A Moment of Transformation

The peace in the lives of middle-aged bachelor Matthew and strict spinster Marilla Cuthbert is disturbed when Anne moves into Green Gables. The Cuthberts are first apprehensive to adopt an orphan girl, but they are ultimately won over by Anne's contagious energy and her offer of assistance with housework. The Cuthbert household experiences a rush of emotions when Anne visits, upsetting their stoic manner and adding a fresh level of happiness and hilarity.

Both a haven and a source of mishaps: the imagination

One of Anne's greatest qualities is her rich imagination, which can be both a comfort and a spur to mischief. She finds beauty and adventure in the commonplace and elevates it to the exceptional. But occasionally, her propensity to lose herself in her imagination causes misunderstandings and unexpected outcomes. To Marilla's annoyance and the laughter of her peers, she frequently gets into problems due to her dramatic flair and love of elaboration.

Empathy and Maturity: Acquiring the Ability to Look Past the Surface

Anne gains a greater comprehension of other people's thoughts and feelings as she gets older. She gains empathy for others who are different from her, learns to soften her harsh judgments, and gains an understanding of the complexity of human nature. Her encounters with Gilbert Blythe, her first enemy, whom she later comes to see as a kindred spirit, demonstrate her newly discovered empathy.

Love and Acceptance: Discovering Your Place in the World

The novel's main topic is around Anne's need for acceptance and a place to call home. Her quest for security and a sense of belonging is shaped by her experiences of rejection and loneliness in orphanages. She finds a loving family at Green Gables who provide her the security and affection she so desperately needs. Her relationship with Diana Barry and her ultimate romance with Gilbert Blythe, who provide her with the love and friendship she has always craved, serve to further cement her feeling of belonging.

A History of Imagination and Resilience

The eternal allure of Anne Shirley is her capacity to rise above hardship and discover happiness in the little things. Readers of all ages are inspired by her fortitude, inventiveness, and persistent faith in the goodness of others. Her story is proof of the transforming force of acceptance, love, and the unwavering spirit of a little child who dared to dream.