Anne of Avonlea · Chapter
Around the Bend explained
Thomas Lynde passes away, and Marilla proposes that Mrs.
What happens
Thomas Lynde passes away, and Marilla proposes that Mrs. Rachel Lynde come to live at Green Gables, which would allow Anne to attend Redmond College. Anne resigns from teaching and prepares for the transition, while reflecting on her friendships and ideals with Diana.
Themes in this chapter
Change and Transition
Anne faces a major life transition as she decides to leave teaching and pursue college, symbolized by 'the bend in the road.'
Community and Belonging
Marilla's offer to Mrs. Lynde reinforces the importance of community and keeping loved ones close, even in times of loss.
Love and Friendship
Anne and Diana's conversation explores romantic ideals, friendship, and the changing nature of relationships as they grow older.
Characters to notice
- Anne Shirley
Anne is torn between joy at the prospect of college and regret at leaving Avonlea; she resigns from teaching and reflects on her future.
- Marilla Cuthbert
Marilla decides to invite Mrs. Lynde to live at Green Gables, enabling Anne to go to college.
- Mrs. Rachel Lynde
Mrs. Lynde is widowed and faces financial hardship; she gratefully accepts Marilla's offer of a home at Green Gables.
- Diana Barry
Diana discusses Anne's departure, Ruby Gillis's romantic affairs, and asks Anne about her feelings for Gilbert.
- Ruby Gillis
Ruby is mentioned as having rejected Nelson Atkins after discovering his proposal was copied from an etiquette book.
- Paul Irving
Anne thinks fondly of Paul, one of her pupils she will miss when she leaves teaching.
Key passages
“Thomas Lynde faded out of life as quietly and unobtrusively as he had lived it.”
Thomas Lynde passed away peacefully, just as he had lived his life without fuss.
Describes the quiet death of Thomas Lynde.
“I feel… as if… somebody… had handed me… the moon… and I didn’t know… exactly… what to do… with it.”
Anne is overwhelmed with joy and uncertainty at the unexpected opportunity to go to college.
Anne's reaction to Marilla's proposal about college.
“I’ve put out a lot of little roots these two years, and when I’m pulled up they’re going to hurt a great deal.”
Anne has become deeply attached to her life in Avonlea and knows leaving will be painful.
Anne reflects on the emotional cost of leaving her home and school.
“But no matter how many friends I make they’ll never be as dear to me as the old ones… especially a certain girl with black eyes and dimples.”
Anne tells Diana that new friendships cannot replace the deep bond they share.
Anne reassures Diana of their lasting friendship.