# A New Interest in Life explained — Anne of Green Gables

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

## What happens

Anne and Diana bid a dramatic farewell after Mrs. Barry forbids Diana from playing with Anne. Anne returns to school, where she is warmly welcomed by her classmates but ignored by Diana. She throws herself into her studies, spurred by a rivalry with Gilbert Blythe, and excels in most subjects except geometry.

## Themes in this chapter

### Friendship and Community

Anne's deep bond with Diana is tested by Mrs. Barry's prohibition, yet they maintain their connection through secret notes and gifts.

### Growth and Education

Anne channels her emotional turmoil into academic achievement, spurred by rivalry with Gilbert, and excels in most subjects.

## Character check-ins

### Anne Shirley

Returns to school after the rift with Diana, channels her energy into academic rivalry with Gilbert.

### Diana Barry

Forbidden by her mother to play with Anne; secretly passes notes and gifts to Anne at school.

### Marilla Cuthbert

Conceals her delight at Anne's decision to return to school; offers unsympathetic but practical advice.

### Gilbert Blythe

Emerges as Anne's academic rival; good-naturedly competes with her for top marks.

### Ruby Gillis

Welcomes Anne back to school by smuggling plums to her during testament reading.

### Mr. Phillips

Anne's teacher; she gets on well with him after returning to school.

## Key lines

> I'm going back to school. That is all there is left in life for me, now that my friend has been ruthlessly torn from me.

Anne decides to return to school because she feels she has nothing else to live for after losing Diana's companionship.

_Anne's dramatic declaration to Marilla about returning to school._

> In geometry Anne met her Waterloo.

Anne struggled greatly with geometry, finding it impossible and lacking in imagination.

_Narrator's description of Anne's difficulty with geometry._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/anne_of_green_gables_se/chapters/xvii-a-new-interest-in-life
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/anne_of_green_gables_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/anne_of_green_gables_se/chapters