Anne of Avonlea · Chapter
IX: A Question of Colour explained
Mr.
What happens
Mr. Harrison complains about Mrs. Lynde, and Anne defends her. They discuss the Avonlea Village Improvement Society's project to paint the hall green, but a mix-up with paint numbers results in the hall being painted a bright blue instead. The community initially reacts with anger, but public sympathy eventually shifts in favor of the Improvers.
Themes in this chapter
Community and Belonging
The Avonlea Village Improvement Society's project and the community's reaction to the paint mistake highlight the collective effort and shared identity of the village.
Change and Transition
The painting of the hall represents an attempt at improvement and change, which is disrupted by a mistake, leading to unexpected outcomes and shifts in public opinion.
Characters to notice
- Anne Shirley
Defends Mrs. Lynde to Mr. Harrison, discusses the hall painting project, and later despairs over the blue paint mistake.
- Mr. J. A. Harrison
Complains about Mrs. Lynde, debates with Anne about honesty, and later sympathizes with Anne over the paint disaster.
- Mrs. Rachel Lynde
Is criticized by Mr. Harrison but defended by Anne; she discovers the blue paint and spreads the news.
- Davy Keith
Mentioned for his mischievous behavior, including pulling feathers from Ginger and asking about the dark.
- Gilbert Blythe
Hears about the blue paint and rushes to Green Gables to confirm the news.
- Diana Barry
Joins Anne and Jane at the gate, expressing dismay over the paint mistake.
Key passages
“That old nuisance of a Rachel Lynde was here again today, pestering me for a subscription towards buying a carpet for the vestry room”
Mr. Harrison complains that Mrs. Lynde annoyed him by asking for money for a church carpet.
Mr. Harrison expresses his irritation with Mrs. Lynde's persistent fundraising.
“The trouble is, you and Mrs. Lynde don’t understand one another”
Anne suggests that the conflict between Mr. Harrison and Mrs. Lynde stems from a lack of mutual understanding.
Anne offers her perspective on interpersonal conflict.
“I know I have red hair too … although it’s much darker than it used to be … so there’s no need of telling me that either.”
Anne acknowledges her red hair but notes it has darkened, implying Mr. Harrison's comments are unnecessary.
Anne responds to Mr. Harrison's teasing about her hair.