Anne of Avonlea · Chapter
A Danger Averted explained
Anne learns that Judson Parker plans to rent his fences for patent medicine advertisements, threatening the beauty of the Newbridge road.
What happens
Anne learns that Judson Parker plans to rent his fences for patent medicine advertisements, threatening the beauty of the Newbridge road. Despite the A.V.I.S.'s protests, Judson initially refuses to change his mind. However, after Anne accidentally overhears him accepting a political bribe from Jerry Corcoran, Judson reverses his decision to avoid exposure, saving the landscape and preserving his reputation.
Themes in this chapter
Community and Belonging
The A.V.I.S. rallies to protect the beauty of their shared landscape, demonstrating collective action and civic pride.
Nature and Beauty
The threat of advertisements on fences underscores the value placed on natural scenery and the desire to preserve it for the community.
Education and Influence
Anne uses her knowledge of Judson's bribe to influence his decision, showing how education and moral conviction can effect change.
Characters to notice
- Anne Shirley
Leads the A.V.I.S. committee to protest Judson Parker's fence rental; overhears Judson accepting a bribe and uses the leverage to secure his reversal.
- Mrs. Rachel Lynde
Discusses local affairs and the Ladies' Aid bazaar with Anne; provides commentary on the Cotton family and Uncle Abe's weather predictions.
- Marilla Cuthbert
Receives a letter from Davy and Dora's uncle; agrees to keep the children until fall, though she hides her relief.
- Davy Keith
Mentioned as having improved in manners since arriving at Green Gables.
- Dora Keith
Mentioned alongside Davy as the children whose uncle cannot take them until fall.
- Mr. J. A. Harrison
Not directly present but referenced in the context of the A.V.I.S. and its activities.
- Jane Andrews
Serves on the committee to confront Judson Parker; suspects there is more to his change of heart than Anne reveals.
- Diana Barry
Supports Anne morally during the committee visit to Judson Parker.
Key passages
“I’ve just been down to Timothy Cotton’s to see if I could get Alice Louise to help me for a few days. I had her last week, for, though she’s too slow to stop quick, she’s better than nobody. But she’s sick and can’t come.”
Mrs. Lynde explains to Anne that she tried to hire Alice Louise Cotton for temporary help, but she is ill and unavailable, leaving Mrs. Lynde without assistance.
Mrs. Lynde's complaint about the Cotton family's shiftlessness sets the tone for her gossipy, practical nature.
“He says he can’t take the children this spring… he’s been sick most of the winter and his wedding is put off. He wants to know if we can keep them till the fall and he’ll try and take them then.”
The children's uncle writes that due to illness and a postponed wedding, he cannot take Davy and Dora until autumn, asking Marilla and Anne to continue caring for them.
This letter confirms the children's extended stay at Green Gables, highlighting Marilla's reluctant but growing attachment.
“If you’ll vote for Amesbury, Parker… well, I’ve a note for that pair of harrows you’ve got in the spring. I suppose you wouldn’t object to having it back, eh?”
Jerry Corcoran offers to cancel Judson Parker's debt for a set of harrows in exchange for his vote for candidate Amesbury.
This bribe is overheard by Anne, giving her leverage to prevent the fence advertisements.
“I’ve decided not to let my fences to that company after all. A society with an aim like yours ought to be encouraged.”
Judson Parker tells Anne he has changed his mind and will not rent his fences for advertisements, claiming support for the A.V.I.S.'s goals.
His sudden reversal is clearly motivated by fear that Anne will expose his bribery, not by genuine community spirit.
