# A Full-Fledged Schoolma’am explained — Anne of Avonlea

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

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

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- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/anne_of_avonlea_se/chapters