Anne of Green Gables · Chapter
Diana Is Invited to Tea with Tragic Results explained
Anne revels in the beauty of October at Green Gables and is thrilled when Marilla allows her to invite Diana for tea.
What happens
Anne revels in the beauty of October at Green Gables and is thrilled when Marilla allows her to invite Diana for tea. While Marilla is away, Anne serves what she believes is raspberry cordial, but it is actually currant wine, leading to Diana becoming intoxicated. Mrs. Barry is furious and forbids Diana from seeing Anne, leaving Anne heartbroken despite her attempts to apologize.
Themes in this chapter
Nature and Beauty
Anne's delight in the October landscape and her desire to bring nature indoors highlights her deep appreciation for beauty.
Friendship and Community
Anne's invitation to Diana and their shared afternoon underscores the importance of friendship, which is threatened by the cordial incident.
Morality and Redemption
Anne's sincere apology and Mrs. Barry's unforgiving response explore themes of forgiveness and moral responsibility.
Characters to notice
- Anne Shirley
Anne is overjoyed to host Diana for tea, but her mistake with the raspberry cordial leads to tragedy. She is devastated by Mrs. Barry's rejection and cries herself to sleep.
- Marilla Cuthbert
Marilla allows Anne to invite Diana for tea and later shows a rare moment of tenderness when she finds Anne asleep in tears.
- Diana Barry
Diana comes for tea, enjoys the supposed raspberry cordial, and becomes intoxicated, leading to her mother's anger.
- Matthew Cuthbert
Matthew is mentioned as being late for tea due to hauling potatoes, and he is kind to Anne when she forgets tasks.
- Mrs. Barry
Mrs. Barry is furious about Diana's intoxication and refuses Anne's apology, forbidding Diana from playing with her.
Key passages
“Oh, Marilla, I'm so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers. It would be terrible if we just skipped from September to November, wouldn't it?”
Anne expresses her joy for the beauty of October, saying it would be awful to miss it entirely.
This quote reflects Anne's deep connection to nature and her vivid imagination.
“I can just imagine myself sitting down at the head of the table and pouring out the tea... and asking Diana if she takes sugar! I know she doesn't but of course I'll ask her just as if I didn't know.”
Anne eagerly anticipates playing the hostess, even planning to ask Diana about sugar despite knowing her preference.
This shows Anne's excitement about acting grown-up and her attention to social rituals.
“Oh, please don't say that you won't let Diana play with me any more. If you do you will cover my life with a dark cloud of woe.”
Anne pleads with Mrs. Barry not to end her friendship with Diana, warning that it would bring her great sorrow.
Anne's dramatic language highlights her emotional intensity and fear of losing her best friend.