# IX: A Question of Colour explained — Anne of Avonlea

> Chapter companion for Anne of Avonlea by L. M. Montgomery.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

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