Anne of Avonlea · Chapter
Poetry and Prose explained
Anne is swept up in the excitement of Miss Lavendar's wedding preparations and Diana's engagement to Fred Wright.
What happens
Anne is swept up in the excitement of Miss Lavendar's wedding preparations and Diana's engagement to Fred Wright. She reflects on the romance of bringing Miss Lavendar and Stephen Irving together, while Marilla offers a more practical view. Diana shares her engagement news with Anne, who playfully teases her but supports her happiness. Anne also builds her own 'home o' dreams' in her imagination, where Gilbert Blythe unexpectedly appears.
Themes in this chapter
Love and Friendship
The chapter explores romantic love through Miss Lavendar and Stephen Irving's reunion and Diana's engagement, as well as the deep friendship between Anne and Diana.
Imagination and Idealism
Anne uses her imagination to build a 'home o' dreams' and reflects on the romantic nature of events, contrasting with Marilla's practical view.
Change and Transition
The chapter marks significant transitions: Miss Lavendar's marriage, Diana's engagement, and Anne's impending departure for Redmond College.
Characters to notice
- Anne Shirley
Anne is deeply involved in Miss Lavendar's wedding preparations and Diana's engagement, reflecting on romance and her own future.
- Diana Barry
Diana becomes engaged to Fred Wright and shares the news with Anne, discussing her plans for housekeeping and her happiness.
- Lavendar Lewis
Miss Lavendar is preparing for her wedding to Stephen Irving, with Anne and Diana helping her with plans and dress fittings.
- Paul Irving
Paul visits Anne to express his joy about his father's engagement to Miss Lavendar, trusting his father's choice.
- Marilla Cuthbert
Marilla offers a practical, less romantic view of Miss Lavendar's story and chides Anne for spending too much time at Echo Lodge.
- Charlotta the Fourth
Charlotta is thrilled about the wedding and her upcoming move to Boston with the Irvings.
Key passages
“I knew I could trust father to pick me out a nice little second mother.”
Paul expresses confidence in his father's choice of Miss Lavendar as a stepmother.
Paul's trust in his father reflects the theme of family and belonging.
“It's the best way, when all's said and done, though some folks can get along without it.”
Charlotta the Fourth believes that marrying for love is ideal, though some people manage without it.
Charlotta's comment highlights the value of romantic love in marriage.
“Perhaps, as Mrs. Lynde says, everything is foreordained and it was bound to happen anyway. But even so, it's nice to think one was an instrument used by predestination.”
Anne muses that while events may be predestined, it is satisfying to have played a part in them.
Anne's reflection shows her blend of romantic idealism and acceptance of fate.
“What is an imagination for if not to enable you to peep at life through other people's eyes?”
Anne tells Diana that imagination allows one to understand others' experiences.
Anne's statement underscores the theme of imagination and empathy.
“I suppose it would be perfectly impossible to keep house with only thirty-six doilies.”
Anne teases Diana about her concern over having enough doilies for housekeeping.
Anne's playful remark highlights the domestic expectations of the time.
