# XIV: Anne's Confession explained — Anne of Green Gables

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

## What happens

Anne confesses to taking and losing Marilla's amethyst brooch, but Marilla punishes her by forbidding her from attending the picnic. Anne's dramatic despair and Marilla's stern resolve highlight the clash between Anne's imaginative nature and Marilla's strict sense of justice.

## Themes in this chapter

### Morality and Redemption

Anne's confession and Marilla's punishment explore themes of truth, falsehood, and the possibility of redemption through honesty.

### Imagination and Creativity

Anne's dramatic reaction to losing the picnic and her romanticized view of the brooch highlight her vivid imagination and its clash with reality.

## Character check-ins

### Anne Shirley

Confesses to taking and losing the brooch, then pleads desperately to attend the picnic, showing her dramatic and imaginative nature.

### Marilla Cuthbert

Struggles with anger and disappointment over Anne's actions, but also reflects on her own responsibility and Anne's potential for goodness.

### Matthew Cuthbert

Sympathizes with Anne but is torn between his sense of justice and his affection for her, offering weak defenses on her behalf.

### Jerry Buote

Mentioned as the hired boy who provides the only cheerful note during the dismal dinner.

## Key lines

> I wish it had been me. It would have been such a romantic experience to have been nearly drowned. It would be such a thrilling tale to tell.

Anne expresses a desire to have been the one nearly drowned, viewing it as a romantic and exciting story.

_Shows Anne's tendency to romanticize even dangerous situations._

> But I've put my hand to the plough and I won't look back.

Marilla resolves to continue her commitment to raising Anne despite the difficulties.

_Biblical allusion reflecting Marilla's determination and sense of duty._

> Boiled pork and greens are so unromantic when one is in affliction.

Anne finds ordinary food inappropriate for her emotional suffering.

_Highlights Anne's dramatic and imaginative perspective on everyday life._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/anne_of_green_gables_se/chapters/xiv-anne-s-confession
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/anne_of_green_gables_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/anne_of_green_gables_se/chapters