Anne of Avonlea · Chapter
A Full-Fledged Schoolma’am explained
Anne begins her first day as the teacher at Avonlea School, feeling nervous and overwhelmed.
What happens
Anne begins her first day as the teacher at Avonlea School, feeling nervous and overwhelmed. She faces her pupils, including the sullen Anthony Pye and the kindred-spirited Paul Irving. Despite minor disciplinary issues, she receives encouragement from Mrs. Lynde and begins to find her footing.
Themes in this chapter
Education and Influence
Anne begins her role as a teacher, striving to influence her students positively, as seen in her efforts to win over Anthony Pye and connect with Paul Irving.
Change and Transition
Anne transitions from student to teacher, facing the challenges and uncertainties of her new role.
Characters to notice
- Anne Shirley
Anne starts her teaching career, feeling nervous but determined to win over her students, especially Anthony Pye.
- Paul Irving
Paul is introduced as a new student with a kindred spirit to Anne; they share an instant bond.
- Anthony Pye
Anthony is a sullen boy who challenges Anne's authority by pouring water down a girl's neck.
- Mrs. Rachel Lynde
Mrs. Lynde offers encouragement to Anne after the first day, reporting that most children liked her.
- Morley Andrews
Morley is disciplined for driving trained crickets in the aisle; Anne confiscates them.
- Prillie Rogerson
Prillie is a new student with long brown curls, casting coquettish looks at Jack Gills.
Key passages
“She had sat up until nearly twelve the preceding night composing a speech she meant to make to her pupils upon opening the school. She had revised and improved it painstakingly, and then she had learned it off by heart. It was a very good speech and had some very fine ideas in it, especially about mutual help and earnest striving after knowledge. The only trouble was that she could not now remember a word of it.”
Anne had stayed up late preparing an inspiring speech for her first day, but when the moment came, she forgot every word.
Highlights Anne's nervousness and the gap between preparation and performance.
“With a quick interchange of smiles Anne and Paul were fast friends forever before a word had passed between them.”
Anne and Paul became instant friends through a shared smile, without needing to speak.
Emphasizes the immediate, deep connection between Anne and Paul.