Anne of Avonlea · Chapter
A Prophet in His Own Country explained
In May, Avonlea is stirred by 'Avonlea Notes' in the Charlottetown Daily Enterprise, written by Gilbert Blythe and Anne Shirley, which include a false rumor of a wedding and a prediction of a storm by Uncle Abe.
What happens
In May, Avonlea is stirred by 'Avonlea Notes' in the Charlottetown Daily Enterprise, written by Gilbert Blythe and Anne Shirley, which include a false rumor of a wedding and a prediction of a storm by Uncle Abe. The storm arrives violently on the predicted evening, causing widespread destruction, including broken windows, ruined crops, and the death of Mr. Harrison's parrot, Ginger. The community reels from the damage, but Uncle Abe enjoys his moment of vindication. Anne and Gilbert reflect on the event with a mix of guilt and philosophical hope.
Themes in this chapter
Community and Belonging
The storm brings the Avonlea community together as they visit each other, compare damages, and offer comfort, reinforcing their interconnectedness.
Nature and Beauty
The chapter contrasts the idyllic spring beauty with the violent, destructive storm, highlighting nature's dual power.
Change and Transition
The storm causes sudden, dramatic changes to the landscape and community, symbolizing the inevitable upheavals in life.
Characters to notice
- Anne Shirley
Co-authors the 'Avonlea Notes' with Gilbert, comforts Mr. Harrison after Ginger's death, and helps Marilla board up broken windows.
- Gilbert Blythe
Writes the 'Avonlea Notes' with Anne, is caught in the storm at school with his pupils, and discusses the aftermath with Anne.
- Marilla Cuthbert
Terrified during the storm, she kneels and prays; afterward she helps repair the broken windows and reflects on the unprecedented destruction.
- Davy Keith
Frightened by the storm, he hides his face in Anne's lap; later he boasts about his bravery and mourns his ruined garden.
- Dora Keith
Remains composed during the storm, holding Anne's hand and saying her prayers; her garden is also destroyed.
- Mr. J. A. Harrison
His house is struck by lightning, killing his parrot Ginger; he grieves openly and later boards up the hole in his floor.
- Ginger
Mr. Harrison's parrot, killed by lightning during the storm.
- Uncle Abe Andrews
His storm prediction is vindicated; he spends the day at the blacksmith's forge enjoying his triumph.
Key passages
“Thanksgiving should be celebrated in the spring... I think it would be ever so much better than having it in November when everything is dead or asleep.”
Anne suggests that spring, with its vibrant life, is a more fitting time for gratitude than autumn's dormancy.
Anne's poetic reflection on the season's beauty and thankfulness.
“Poor Ginger won't call you any more names, Anne.”
Mr. Harrison laments the loss of his parrot, who was his only companion.
Mr. Harrison's grief over Ginger's death during the storm.
“That is one good thing about this world… there are always sure to be more springs.”
Anne finds comfort in the cyclical renewal of nature despite the storm's destruction.
Anne's optimistic philosophy after the devastation.
