# The Glory and the Dream explained — Anne of Green Gables

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

## What happens

Anne learns she has won the Avery scholarship and returns home to Green Gables, where she notices Matthew's declining health and Marilla's eye troubles. The chapter celebrates her academic triumph while foreshadowing the sorrow that will soon touch her life.

## Themes in this chapter

### Growth and Education

Anne's academic success and her reflections on ambition and its costs underscore the theme of personal growth through education.

### Belonging and Home

Anne's return to Green Gables and her emotional connection to the landscape emphasize the comfort and identity found in home.

### Friendship and Community

The support from Diana, Jane, and the community at Queen's highlights the importance of friendship in Anne's journey.

## Character check-ins

### Anne Shirley

Wins the Avery scholarship, returns home, and notices Matthew's poor health.

### Matthew Cuthbert

Shows signs of heart trouble and aging; expresses pride in Anne's achievement.

### Marilla Cuthbert

Worried about Matthew's health and her own eye pain; discusses the Abbey Bank's instability.

### Diana Barry

Welcomes Anne home and reassures her of their friendship.

### Jane Andrews

Accompanies Anne to the bulletin board and celebrates her win.

### Gilbert Blythe

Wins the medal and plans to teach to fund his own education.

## Key lines

> For we pay a price for everything we get or take in this world; and although ambitions are well worth having, they are not to be cheaply won, but exact their dues of work and self-denial, anxiety and discouragement.

Ambition requires sacrifice and effort, and nothing valuable comes without cost.

_Reflects Anne's mature understanding of the challenges of striving for success._

> It was the last night before sorrow touched her life; and no life is ever quite the same again when once that cold, sanctifying touch has been laid upon it.

That peaceful night was Anne's final moment of innocence before grief changed her forever.

_Foreshadows Matthew's impending death and the end of Anne's childhood._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/anne_of_green_gables_se/chapters/xxxvi-the-glory-and-the-dream
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/anne_of_green_gables_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/anne_of_green_gables_se/chapters