Anne of Avonlea · Chapter
A Chapter of Accidents explained
Anne and Diana prepare excitedly for Mrs.
What happens
Anne and Diana prepare excitedly for Mrs. Morgan's visit, decorating the parlour and setting a perfect table. However, a series of mishaps occur: Davy accidentally breaks Miss Barry's antique platter, and a letter from Priscilla reveals that Mrs. Morgan sprained her ankle and cannot come. Despite the disappointment, Anne finds solace in the beauty of the evening sky and plans a picnic with the twins.
Themes in this chapter
Community and Belonging
The entire chapter revolves around the community's anticipation of Mrs. Morgan's visit, highlighting the importance of social connections and shared experiences in Avonlea.
Change and Transition
Anne's disappointment over the cancelled visit and her reflection on the 'flying and thud' of anticipation underscore her transition from childhood idealism to a more mature acceptance of life's unpredictability.
Characters to notice
- Anne Shirley
Anne is the hostess, full of excitement and anticipation for Mrs. Morgan's visit, but later deeply disappointed when the visit is cancelled.
- Diana Barry
Diana helps Anne prepare for the visit, shares in the excitement, and is equally disappointed by the cancellation.
- Davy Keith
Davy accidentally knocks the conch shell down the stairs, breaking Miss Barry's platter, and is sent upstairs as punishment.
- Marilla Cuthbert
Marilla observes the preparations, consoles Anne after the disappointment, and comments on Anne's tendency to get too excited.
- Gilbert Blythe
Gilbert is mentioned at the end as coming up the lane, possibly to invite Anne for a row on the pond.
Key passages
“When I think something nice is going to happen I seem to fly right up on the wings of anticipation; and then the first thing I realize I drop down to earth with a thud. But really, Marilla, the flying part is glorious as long as it lasts... it's like soaring through a sunset. I think it almost pays for the thud.”
Anne explains that the joy of looking forward to something wonderful is so exhilarating that it almost makes up for the disappointment when it doesn't happen.
This quote captures Anne's characteristic blend of romantic idealism and resilience.