# XIII: The Delights of Anticipation explained — Anne of Green Gables

> Chapter companion for Anne of Green Gables by L. M. Montgomery.

## What happens

Anne is so excited about the upcoming Sunday school picnic that she neglects her chores, staying out late playing with Diana and talking to Matthew. Marilla scolds her for disobedience but ultimately agrees to let her go and even promises to bake a basket for the picnic. Anne expresses her dislike for patchwork, describes her imaginative playhouse Idlewild with Diana, and shares her thoughts on anticipation and disappointment. The chapter ends with Anne admiring Marilla's amethyst brooch.

## Themes in this chapter

### Imagination and Creativity

Anne's vivid imagination is central: she names their playhouse Idlewild, creates a fairy glass story, and insists that anticipation is half the pleasure of any event.

### Growth and Education

Marilla begins to teach Anne responsibility and obedience, and plans to give her cooking lessons, marking Anne's ongoing education in domestic skills.

### Friendship and Community

Anne's friendship with Diana is highlighted through their shared playhouse and plans for the picnic; the community event of the picnic itself underscores belonging.

## Character check-ins

### Anne Shirley

Exuberantly anticipates the Sunday school picnic, talks endlessly about it, and expresses her love for imaginative play with Diana.

### Marilla Cuthbert

Scolds Anne for disobedience but secretly feels a thrill of sweetness at Anne's impulsive kiss; agrees to bake a basket for the picnic.

### Matthew Cuthbert

Listens sympathetically to Anne's chatter about the picnic; Marilla thinks he is infatuated with Anne.

### Diana Barry

Anne's best friend and playmate; they have a playhouse called Idlewild; Diana tells Anne about the picnic and the need for a basket.

### Mrs. Rachel Lynde

Mentioned as one of the women who will make ice cream for the picnic.

## Key lines

> Oh, Marilla, looking forward to things is half the pleasure of them. You mayn't get the things themselves; but nothing can prevent you from having the fun of looking forward to them.

Anne argues that the joy of anticipation is just as valuable as the event itself, and that no disappointment can take away the pleasure of hoping.

_This captures Anne's optimistic philosophy and her ability to find joy in imagination and expectation._

> I do not like patchwork. I think some kinds of sewing would be nice; but there's no scope for imagination in patchwork. It's just one little seam after another and you never seem to be getting anywhere.

Anne complains that patchwork sewing is tedious and lacks creative freedom, unlike other types of sewing that might allow for imagination.

_Highlights Anne's preference for imaginative activities over repetitive chores._

> You set your heart too much on things, Anne. I'm afraid there'll be a great many disappointments in store for you through life.

Marilla warns Anne that her intense enthusiasm may lead to frequent disappointments as she grows older.

_Shows Marilla's practical, cautious nature contrasting with Anne's exuberance._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/anne_of_green_gables_se/chapters/xiii-the-delights-of-anticipation
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/anne_of_green_gables_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/anne_of_green_gables_se/chapters