# XXXV: The Winter at Queen’s explained — Anne of Green Gables

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

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

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- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/anne_of_green_gables_se
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