# Vanity and Vexation of Spirit explained — Anne of Green Gables

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

## What happens

Marilla returns home from an Aid meeting expecting tea ready, but finds Anne missing and the fire out. She discovers Anne in her room with green hair, the result of dyeing it with a peddler's product. Anne, in despair, cuts her hair short to fix the damage. She endures teasing at school but resolves to be good, while Marilla's headache improves as Anne chatters.

## Themes in this chapter

### Identity and Self-Acceptance

Anne's struggle with her red hair leads to a failed dye attempt, highlighting her journey toward accepting herself.

### Morality and Redemption

Anne grapples with the wickedness of dyeing her hair and resolves to be good, seeking redemption through virtue.

### Growth and Education

Anne learns from her mistake, gaining insight into vanity and the importance of being good over being beautiful.

## Character check-ins

### Marilla Cuthbert

Returns from Aid meeting, disappointed and irritated by Anne's neglect of duties, but later shows concern and affection.

### Anne Shirley

In despair after dyeing her hair green, cuts it short, and resolves to be good despite vanity.

### Matthew Cuthbert

Patiently waits for tea and defends Anne, suggesting there may be an explanation.

### Diana Barry

Mentioned as Anne's companion in gadding off; later suggests a black velvet ribbon for Anne's growing hair.

### Josie Pye

Teases Anne about her appearance, calling her a scarecrow.

### Mrs. Allan

Referenced as praising Anne's brightness and sweetness, and as an example of goodness Anne aspires to.

## Key lines

> Marilla, walking home one late April evening from an Aid meeting, realized that the winter was over and gone with the thrill of delight that spring never fails to bring to the oldest and saddest as well as to the youngest and merriest.

Walking home from a church meeting, Marilla felt the joy of spring, which lifts spirits regardless of age.

_Sets the scene with Marilla's appreciation of nature and the changing season._

> I thought nothing could be as bad as red hair. But now I know it's ten times worse to have green hair.

Anne believed red hair was the worst, but green hair is far worse.

_Highlights Anne's despair over her failed dye experiment._

> I do really want to be good, Marilla, like you and Mrs. Allan and Miss Stacy, and grow up to be a credit to you.

Anne expresses her desire to be good and emulate Marilla, Mrs. Allan, and Miss Stacy.

_Shows Anne's aspiration for moral growth and approval._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/anne_of_green_gables_se/chapters/xxvii-vanity-and-vexation-of-spirit
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/anne_of_green_gables_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/anne_of_green_gables_se/chapters