# A Queen's Girl explained — Anne of Green Gables

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

## What happens

Anne prepares to leave for Queen's Academy, receiving a new green dress from Marilla and emotional farewells from Matthew and Marilla. In town, she experiences homesickness in her boardinghouse room but is visited by Josie Pye, Jane Andrews, and Ruby Gillis. Anne learns of the Avery scholarship opportunity and decides to pursue First Class work alongside Gilbert Blythe, while grappling with loneliness and the challenge of making new friends.

## Themes in this chapter

### Growth and Education

Anne's decision to take First Class work and pursue the Avery scholarship highlights her ambition and intellectual growth.

### Belonging and Home

Anne's intense homesickness and longing for Green Gables underscore her deep sense of belonging and attachment to home.

### Friendship and Community

The visits from Josie, Jane, and Ruby, as well as Anne's thoughts about making new friends, emphasize the importance of community and connection.

## Character check-ins

### Anne Shirley

Anne leaves Green Gables for Queen's Academy, experiences homesickness, learns about the Avery scholarship, and decides to take First Class work.

### Marilla Cuthbert

Marilla gives Anne a green dress, expresses sadness at Anne's departure, and later weeps privately after Anne leaves.

### Matthew Cuthbert

Matthew drives Anne to town, reflects proudly on Anne's growth, and believes her arrival was providential.

### Diana Barry

Diana has a tearful parting with Anne and later goes to a beach picnic with Carmody cousins.

### Josie Pye

Josie visits Anne in her boardinghouse, teases her about homesickness, and shares news about the Avery scholarship.

### Jane Andrews

Jane visits Anne with Ruby, admits to crying from homesickness, and takes Second Class work.

### Ruby Gillis

Ruby visits Anne with Jane and takes Second Class work.

### Gilbert Blythe

Gilbert is in the same First Class as Anne, and Anne notices his determined chin and their ongoing rivalry.

## Key lines

> I'm not a bit changed—not really. I'm only just pruned down and branched out. The real me —back here—is just the same.

Anne reassures Marilla that despite her outward growth and change, her inner self remains the same.

_Anne's metaphor of pruning and branching reflects her personal development while maintaining her core identity._

> She's been a blessing to us, and there never was a luckier mistake than what Mrs. Spencer made—if it was luck. I don't believe it was any such thing. It was Providence, because the Almighty saw we needed her, I reckon.

Matthew reflects that Anne's arrival was not a mere mistake but a providential blessing.

_Matthew's perspective underscores the theme of fate and the positive impact Anne has had on the Cuthberts._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/anne_of_green_gables_se/chapters/xxxiv-a-queen-s-girl
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/anne_of_green_gables_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/anne_of_green_gables_se/chapters