Short summary - Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery

Summary of the work - Sykalo Eugen 2023

Short summary - Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery

Anne of Green Gables is a coming-of-age novel that follows the life of an imaginative and talkative orphan girl named Anne Shirley. The story begins with the elderly siblings, Matthew and Marilla Cuthbert, who are searching for an orphan boy to help them with their farm work. However, due to a misunderstanding, Anne Shirley is sent instead. Despite being initially disappointed, Matthew and Marilla decide to keep Anne, and her lively spirit soon wins their hearts.

In the first few chapters, we discover that Anne has had a difficult life so far, moving from one foster home to another. She is a dreamer and often gets lost in her own thoughts. Anne is also very sensitive about her red hair and freckles, which she thinks make her look ugly. Despite her insecurities, Anne is a bright and imaginative girl, and her positive outlook on life endears her to those around her.

As Anne settles into her new life, she makes friends with Diana Barry, a kindhearted girl who lives nearby. The two become fast friends and have many adventures together. One of the most memorable moments in the book is when Anne accidentally gets Diana drunk on raspberry cordial, mistaking it for currant wine. This incident causes a rift between Anne and Marilla, who becomes angry with her for not being more careful and responsible.

As the story progresses, Anne's academic achievements and charming personality bring her into the good graces of the community. However, her life is not without its challenges. Gilbert Blythe, a boy in her class, teases Anne about her red hair, and she retaliates by breaking a slate over his head. This incident leads to a long-standing feud between the two, which only ends when Gilbert helps Anne out in a time of need.

Another key moment in the book is when Anne's best friend, Diana, gets engaged to a man Anne disapproves of. Anne tries to convince Diana to break off the engagement, but Diana refuses to listen. This causes a rift between the two friends, but they eventually reconcile.

Towards the end of the book, tragedy strikes when Matthew dies suddenly of a heart attack. Anne is devastated by the loss of her beloved "kindred spirit." However, she finds comfort in the knowledge that Matthew loved her and was proud of all her achievements.

In the final chapter of the book, Anne graduates from Queen's Academy and decides to stay on as a teacher. She and Gilbert Blythe finally put their differences aside and become friends, hinting at the possibility of a future romance.

Overall, Anne of Green Gables is a heartwarming and engaging story about the challenges of growing up and finding one's place in the world. It touches on themes such as friendship, love, loss, and the importance of being true to oneself. Anne Shirley is a beloved character who has captured the hearts of readers for over a century, and her story continues to inspire and delight readers of all ages.