The Story Club Is Formed explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Imagination and Creativity

  Anne and her friends form a story club, writing imaginative tales. Anne's story 'The Jealous Rival' showcases her creative flair, though Marilla dismisses it as 'stuff and nonsense.'

• Growth and Education

  Anne turns thirteen and reflects on growing up, learning to balance imagination with duties. Miss Stacy assigns compositions, encouraging the students' literary development.

• Friendship and Community

  The story club fosters bonds among the girls, though minor quarrels arise from the concert. Anne and Diana's friendship remains central.

Characters to notice

• Anne Shirley

  Turns thirteen, reflects on growing up, discusses her story club and her composition 'The Jealous Rival; or, in Death Not Divided.'

• Diana Barry

  Anne's friend, walks with Anne to school, discusses beaus and writing compositions, listens to Anne's story.

• Marilla Cuthbert

  Anne tells Marilla about the story club; Marilla dismisses Anne's story as 'stuff and nonsense' and reminds Anne to do her chores.

• Matthew Cuthbert

  Anne reads her story to Matthew, who says it is 'fine.'

• Ruby Gillis

  Quarrels with Emma White over platform seats; Anne consults her about proposals for her story.

• Josie Pye

  Quarrels with Julia Bell; Anne avoids mentioning her to avoid uncharitable speech.

Key passages

• “I’m positively certain, Diana, that life can never be quite the same again as it was in those olden days”

  Anne tells Diana that she feels life has changed forever after the excitement of the concert.

  Anne reflects on how the concert has altered her perception of everyday life.

• “I’m trying to be as much like Mrs. Allan as I possibly can, for I think she’s perfect.”

  Anne admires Mrs. Allan and wants to emulate her character.

  Anne expresses her desire to model herself after Mrs. Allan, whom she considers an ideal person.

• “I wrote it last Monday evening. It’s called ‘The Jealous Rival; or, in Death Not Divided.’”

  Anne tells Diana about the story she wrote for the club, titled 'The Jealous Rival; or, in Death Not Divided.'

  Anne shares the title and origin of her story with Diana.

• “I read one of my stories to him and Mrs. Allan and they both agreed that the moral was excellent. Only they laughed in the wrong places.”

  Anne read a story to Mr. and Mrs. Allan, who praised its moral but laughed at parts Anne intended to be serious.

  Anne recounts how the Allans responded to her story, highlighting her focus on moral lessons.