# Anne Comes to Grief in an Affair of Honour explained — Anne of Green Gables

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

## What happens

At a small party given by Diana Barry, the girls engage in a game of dares. After Josie Pye dares Anne to walk the ridgepole of Mr. Barry's kitchen roof, Anne accepts to defend her honour. She falls, breaking her ankle, and is carried home by Mr. Barry. Marilla realizes how deeply she cares for Anne. The chapter ends with Anne recovering and eagerly anticipating the new schoolteacher, Miss Stacy.

## Themes in this chapter

### Friendship and Community

The party and daring game highlight the social dynamics among the Avonlea girls, with Anne's fall prompting collective concern and Diana's loyal support.

### Growth and Education

Anne's injury leads to a period of reflection and anticipation for Miss Stacy's innovative teaching methods, marking a step in her personal and academic growth.

## Character check-ins

### Anne Shirley

Accepts a dangerous dare to walk a ridgepole, falls and breaks her ankle, then recovers at home while eagerly discussing Miss Stacy.

### Diana Barry

Hosts the party and is Anne's concerned friend, begging her not to attempt the dare and rushing to her side after the fall.

### Josie Pye

Dares Anne to walk the ridgepole, showing a defiant and competitive nature; later relieved that Anne is not killed.

### Marilla Cuthbert

Experiences a revelation of her deep love for Anne when she sees her injured; scolds Anne but shows underlying care.

### Matthew Cuthbert

Summoned from the harvest field to fetch the doctor for Anne.

### Carrie Sloane

Participates in the daring game, first daring Ruby Gillis to climb a willow tree.

## Key lines

> I must do it. My honour is at stake. I shall walk that ridgepole, Diana, or perish in the attempt.

Anne feels compelled to accept the dare to preserve her pride, declaring she will walk the ridgepole even if it kills her.

_Shows Anne's strong sense of honour and dramatic nature._

> In the sudden stab of fear that pierced to her very heart she realized what Anne had come to mean to her.

Marilla's intense fear upon seeing Anne injured reveals how deeply she has come to love the girl.

_Highlights Marilla's emotional awakening and growing attachment to Anne._

## Links

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