Anne of Green Gables · Chapter
Miss Stacy and Her Pupils Get Up a Concert explained
Anne returns to school in October, delighted to be back with her friends and under the inspiring guidance of Miss Stacy.
What happens
Anne returns to school in October, delighted to be back with her friends and under the inspiring guidance of Miss Stacy. The new teacher's sympathetic and encouraging nature helps Anne flourish academically and personally. Miss Stacy proposes that the students organize a concert on Christmas night to raise money for a school flag. Anne throws herself into the preparations with enthusiasm, taking on recitations, dialogues, and a tableau role as Hope, despite Marilla's disapproval. She finds a sympathetic listener in Matthew, who supports her endeavors.
Themes in this chapter
Growth and Education
Anne's intellectual and personal growth under Miss Stacy's guidance is highlighted, as she expands like a flower under wholesome influence and excels in her studies.
Friendship and Community
The concert project brings the school community together, with students collaborating on dialogues, choruses, and decorations, and Anne finding support from Matthew and her friends.
Imagination and Creativity
Anne's vivid imagination is evident in her excitement about the concert, her dramatic recitations, and her detailed descriptions of the tableau and costumes.
Characters to notice
- Anne Shirley
Returns to school in October, thriving under Miss Stacy's influence. Enthusiastically participates in the concert preparations, taking on recitations, dialogues, and a tableau role as Hope.
- Marilla Cuthbert
Disapproves of the concert, considering it foolishness and a distraction from lessons. She expresses her concerns to Anne.
- Matthew Cuthbert
A sympathetic and appreciative listener to Anne's excited talk about the concert. He supports her and is glad he is not responsible for her upbringing.
- Diana Barry
Anne's desk mate and friend. She is to sing a solo in the concert.
- Ruby Gillis
Nods across the aisle at school and lends Anne her slippers for the fairy costume. She is also in the tableau 'Faith, Hope and Charity' as one of the three.
- Miss Muriel Stacy
The new teacher who inspires Anne and her classmates. She proposes the concert to raise money for a school flag and guides the students in their preparations.
- Jane Andrews
Chosen to play the fairy queen in the dialogue 'The Fairy Queen.'
- Josie Pye
Sulky because she did not get the part she wanted in the dialogue. She makes a snide remark about red-haired fairies.
Key passages
“Anne expanded like a flower under this wholesome influence and carried home to the admiring Matthew and the critical Marilla glowing accounts of schoolwork and aims.”
Anne thrived under Miss Stacy's positive guidance and eagerly shared her enthusiastic reports about school with Matthew and Marilla.
Illustrates Anne's growth and the contrasting reactions of Matthew and Marilla.
“But all the field afternoons and recitation Fridays and physical culture contortions paled before a project which Miss Stacy brought forward in November.”
All previous school activities became less important compared to Miss Stacy's new project announced in November.
Highlights the significance of the concert project in the chapter.
“I just tremble when I think of it, but it's a nice thrilly kind of tremble.”
Anne feels nervous but excited about her performances in the concert.
Captures Anne's mixed emotions of fear and excitement.
