Anne of Green Gables · Chapter
XXXV: The Winter at Queen’s explained
Anne's homesickness fades with weekend visits home.
What happens
Anne's homesickness fades with weekend visits home. At Queen's Academy, she forms a circle of thoughtful friends and works hard, her rivalry with Gilbert Blythe losing its bitterness. As spring arrives, the students face looming exams, but Anne finds perspective in nature's beauty and the 'joy of the strife.'
Themes in this chapter
Growth and Education
Anne's academic efforts at Queen's, her rivalry with Gilbert, and her evolving perspective on success embody the theme of growth through education.
Nature and Beauty
Anne finds solace and perspective in the beauty of spring—violets, ferns, and sunset skies—contrasting with exam stress.
Friendship and Community
Anne forms a circle of like-minded friends at Queen's and maintains ties with Avonlea, highlighting the importance of companionship.
Characters to notice
- Anne Shirley
Anne overcomes homesickness, forms new friendships at Queen's, and maintains a healthy rivalry with Gilbert, focusing on personal growth rather than mere victory.
- Gilbert Blythe
Gilbert walks home with Ruby Gillis, is a top medal contender, and shares ambitions with Anne, though their rivalry has softened.
- Ruby Gillis
Ruby is described as handsome and cheerful, but not intellectually inclined; she walks with Gilbert and is admired for her looks.
- Jane Andrews
Jane excels in domestic science, worries about exams, and comments on Gilbert's walking companion.
- Stella Maynard
Stella is a vivid, black-eyed friend of Anne's, full of dreams and fancies, and is noted as the beauty of the Second Year.
- Josie Pye
Josie is sharp-tongued and discusses exam prospects, mentioning Gilbert's likely medal win.
Key passages
“Anne thought those Friday evening gipsyings over the autumnal hills in the crisp golden air, with the homelights of Avonlea twinkling beyond, were the best and dearest hours in the whole week.”
Anne cherished the Friday evening walks across the autumn hills, with Avonlea's lights glowing in the distance, as the most precious moments of the week.
Highlights Anne's deep connection to home and the joy of returning to Avonlea.
“Next to trying and winning, the best thing is trying and failing.”
After striving and succeeding, the next best thing is striving and not succeeding.
Reflects Anne's mature philosophy on effort and resilience.
“All the Beyond was hers with its possibilities lurking rosily in the oncoming years—each year a rose of promise to be woven into an immortal chaplet.”
The future held endless, hopeful possibilities for Anne, each year like a rose to be gathered into a timeless garland.
Captures Anne's optimistic vision of her future.