Anne of Green Gables · Chapter
An Unfortunate Lily Maid explained
Anne and her friends decide to reenact Tennyson's poem 'The Lady of Shalott' on the pond.
What happens
Anne and her friends decide to reenact Tennyson's poem 'The Lady of Shalott' on the pond. Anne plays Elaine and lies in a flat-bottomed boat, but the boat leaks and sinks, leaving Anne clinging to a bridge pile. Gilbert Blythe rescues her, but Anne refuses his offer of friendship, still holding a grudge from when he teased her about her red hair. Later, Anne reflects on her mistakes and resolves to be less romantic, though Matthew encourages her to keep a little romance in her heart.
Themes in this chapter
Imagination and Creativity
Anne and her friends dramatize Tennyson's poem, showing their imaginative play and love for romantic stories.
Friendship and Community
The girls work together to enact the scene, and later panic and seek help for Anne, demonstrating their bonds.
Growth and Education
Anne reflects on her mistakes and resolves to learn from them, showing personal growth and self-awareness.
Characters to notice
- Anne Shirley
Plays Elaine in the reenactment, gets into a dangerous situation when the boat sinks, is rescued by Gilbert Blythe but refuses his friendship, and later resolves to be less romantic.
- Diana Barry
Participates in the Elaine reenactment as Lancelot, helps plan the game, and panics when Anne appears to drown.
- Ruby Gillis
Plays King Arthur in the reenactment, is too frightened to be Elaine, and later has hysterics when Anne seems to drown.
- Jane Andrews
Plays Guinevere in the reenactment, runs for help after the accident, and finds Anne safe.
- Gilbert Blythe
Rescues Anne from the bridge pile, apologizes for teasing her hair, and offers friendship, but is rejected.
- Marilla Cuthbert
Scolds Anne for the incident but listens to Anne's reflections on learning from mistakes.
- Matthew Cuthbert
Quietly encourages Anne to keep a little romance in her life despite her resolve to be more sensible.
Key passages
“But it's so ridiculous to have a redheaded Elaine”
Anne thinks it's absurd for a redhead to play the fair-haired Elaine.
Anne's self-consciousness about her hair color contrasts with her desire for romantic roles.
“I've learned a new and valuable lesson today. Ever since I came to Green Gables I've been making mistakes, and each mistake has helped to cure me of some great shortcoming.”
Anne believes every error she has made has taught her something important and improved her character.
Anne's optimistic view of mistakes as learning opportunities reflects her growth.
“Don't give up all your romance, Anne... a little of it is a good thing—not too much, of course—but keep a little of it, Anne, keep a little of it.”
Matthew advises Anne to hold onto some romantic spirit, even as she becomes more sensible.
Matthew's gentle encouragement balances Anne's resolve to be less romantic.