Anne of the Island · Chapters
Chapters explained
Chapter companions for Anne of the Island by L. M. Montgomery.
Chapter 1
Dedication
The author dedicates the book to all the girls worldwide who have expressed a desire for more stories about Anne.
Chapter 2
Epigraph
The epigraph sets a reflective tone for the book, suggesting that love and fate work together to reveal hidden value over time.
Chapter 3
Anne of the Island
Anne Shirley leaves Avonlea to attend Redmond College, embarking on a new chapter of her life filled with friendships, studies, and romantic entanglements.
Chapter 4
The Shadow of Change
Anne and Diana reflect on the end of summer and the many changes ahead, including Anne's departure for Redmond College. The chapter captures Anne's mixed feelings about growing up, leaving home, and the shifting dynamics in her relationships, particularly with Gilbert Blythe. It ends with a tender moment at home with Davy Keith.
Chapter 5
II: Garlands of Autumn
Anne prepares to leave for Redmond College, attending an A.V.I.S. farewell party where she and Gilbert are honored. Despite the celebration, she feels disgruntled by well-meaning but discouraging comments from neighbors. Gilbert cheers her with a walk through the woods, where they share a moment under an apple tree, hinting at their deepening bond.
Chapter 6
Greeting and Farewell
Anne leaves Avonlea for Redmond College, saying goodbye to Green Gables and her loved ones on a rainy morning. She travels with Gilbert Blythe and Charlie Sloane, feeling homesick and melancholy. Upon arriving in Kingsport, she is met by Priscilla Grant and taken to her new boardinghouse run by the Harvey twins, where she begins to adjust to her new life.
Chapter 7
April's Lady
Anne and Priscilla explore Old St. John's Cemetery in Kingsport, where they meet Philippa Gordon, a fellow student from Redmond College. The three quickly become friends, sharing their feelings of insignificance and loneliness on their first day at Redmond.
Chapter 8
Letters from Home
Anne and Priscilla settle into Redmond College life, finding their place among the Freshmen class. Anne receives letters from Avonlea friends and family, which bridge her old and new lives. Philippa Gordon becomes a close friend, and Gilbert Blythe gains prominence as class president and a member of the Lambs.
Chapter 9
In the Park
On a Saturday afternoon, Philippa joins Anne, Priscilla, Gilbert, and Charlie for a walk in the park. The group enjoys the autumn scenery, and Anne and Gilbert share a reflective conversation about sorrow and joy. They later discover a charming house called Patty's Place on Spofford Avenue, which captivates Anne.
Chapter 10
Home Again
Anne returns to Green Gables for Christmas after her first term at Redmond College, where she is warmly welcomed by Marilla, Mrs. Lynde, Davy, and Dora. She reflects on the love and comfort of home, helps Davy overcome a temptation to say a bad word, and enjoys a white Christmas with letters from Miss Lavendar and Philippa.
Chapter 11
Anne’s First Proposal
On a stormy winter night, Jane Andrews, staying over at Green Gables, awkwardly proposes on behalf of her brother Billy Andrews, who wishes to marry Anne. Anne, taken aback and amused, firmly declines, realizing her romantic dreams of a first proposal are shattered by this unromantic, proxy offer. Jane, though resigned, is slightly offended, and Anne is left to laugh and sigh over the loss of her maiden ideal.
Chapter 12
An Unwelcome Lover and a Welcome Friend
Anne enjoys her second term at Redmond, studying hard for the Thorburn Scholarship and deepening friendships. Charlie Sloane proposes and is angrily rejected, straining their relationship. Anne receives a letter from Stella Maynard proposing they rent a house together with Aunt Jamesina as housekeeper. While walking in the park, Anne and Priscilla discover that Patty's Place is for rent, sparking hope.
Chapter 13
Patty's Place
Anne, Priscilla, and their friends successfully rent Patty's Place after Miss Patty Spofford is won over by Anne's genuine love for the house. Philippa Gordon eagerly joins their household, and they plan a simple, cooperative life together.
Chapter 14
The Round of Life
Anne returns to Avonlea after her first year at Redmond, only to find that time has brought changes: old faces are missing from the church pews, Billy Andrews is married, and Ruby Gillis is dying of consumption though she refuses to admit it. Anne visits Ruby, who chatters about flirtations and new dresses, but behind her bright eyes Anne sees the shadow of mortality. The chapter also touches on Anne's ambition to write a story and the small, poignant shifts in the round of daily life.
Chapter 15
XII: “Averil’s Atonement”
Anne writes a story titled 'Averil’s Atonement', sharing it with Diana and Mr. Harrison for critique. Despite their feedback and her own revisions, the story is rejected by two magazines. Anne initially despairs over her literary ambitions but eventually resolves to focus on teaching after Redmond.
Chapter 16
The Way of Transgressors
Davy Keith, feeling rebellious against Mrs. Lynde's strictures, decides to skip Sunday School and church, leading his reluctant sister Dora on a day of mischief with the Cotton children. That night, he confesses his sins to Anne, who helps him understand conscience and forgiveness.
Chapter 17
XIV: The Summons
Anne visits Ruby Gillis, who is dying of consumption. Ruby confesses her fear of death and her longing to live a full life, including marriage and children. Anne offers comfort by sharing her evolving thoughts on heaven as a continuation of life, though she struggles with the inadequacy of her words. The chapter ends with Anne walking home with Diana and Davy, reflecting on mortality.
Chapter 18
XV: A Dream Turned Upside Down
Anne's pleasant summer vacation ends with a shock when she learns that her friend Diana secretly submitted her story 'Averil's Atonement' to a baking powder company's prize competition and won. Anne is mortified by the commercial degradation of her literary work, but Gilbert's practical perspective helps ease her shame.
Chapter 19
XVI: Adjusted Relationships
Anne and her friends settle into Patty's Place, enjoying the process of homemaking and adjusting to college life. Anne's prize story causes mixed reactions in Avonlea, but she is relieved to return to Redmond. The chapter introduces Aunt Jamesina and her cats, and Rusty, a stray cat who adopts Anne.
Chapter 20
A Letter from Davy
On a snowy November evening, Phil, Stella, Aunt Jamesina, and Anne gather at Patty's Place. Anne reads a humorous letter from Davy Keith, full of his characteristic curiosity and candid observations about life in Avonlea, including Mrs. Lynde's accident, his school composition on the ideal wife, and various local gossip.
Chapter 21
Miss Josephine Remembers the Anne-Girl
During the Christmas holidays, Anne returns to Green Gables but finds Avonlea in the grip of a severe winter storm that isolates her. She feels lonely as Diana is ill, Ruby Gillis has died, and Jane Andrews is away. Gilbert's visits become awkward with his intense gaze, and Marilla and Mrs. Lynde's matchmaking adds to her discomfort. Davy's irreverent chatter provides some distraction. Anne receives news of Miss Josephine Barry's death and learns she has been left a thousand dollars in her will, easing her financial worries about returning to Redmond.
Chapter 22
An Interlude
On her twentieth birthday, Anne reflects on leaving her teens behind and her character's flaws, while Aunt Jamesina offers her philosophy of life. Philippa Gordon prepares for a dance, and the conversation turns to love, marriage, and Phil's indecision between suitors.
Chapter 23
Gilbert Speaks
Gilbert confesses his love to Anne, who rejects him, leading to a painful rift in their friendship. Anne grapples with the loss of their cherished bond, while Phil offers blunt advice. The chapter also captures a quiet evening at Patty's Place, with Phil's lightheartedness contrasting Anne's turmoil.
Chapter 24
Roses of Yesterday
Anne visits her birthplace in Bolingbroke, meets the current occupant, and receives a packet of her parents' love letters, which makes her feel connected to them for the first time.
Chapter 25
Spring and Anne Return to Green Gables
Anne returns to Green Gables a day early, surprising Marilla. The chapter highlights Marilla's reflections on how Anne has transformed her life, and includes Davy's humorous chatter about his lost tooth and plans to marry.
Chapter 26
Paul Cannot Find the Rock People
Anne spends a pleasant summer in Avonlea, haunted by Gilbert's absence. She enjoys visits from Priscilla and the Irvings, but notices that Paul has grown too old for his imaginary Rock People. Miss Lavendar gently questions Anne about her relationship with Gilbert, and Anne admits she cannot give him more than friendship.
Chapter 27
Enter Jonas
Philippa Gordon writes a long, humorous letter to Anne from Prospect Point, describing her summer boardinghouse companions—four eccentric old ladies—and her growing, conflicted feelings for Jonas Blake, an ugly but earnest theology student. She recounts his powerful sermon, which makes her feel frivolous, and confesses her fear that she may be falling in love with him.
Chapter 28
Enter Prince Charming
Anne, feeling restless and soul-weary, decides to walk in the park on a gray November afternoon despite Aunt Jamesina's advice to take an umbrella. A sudden rainstorm turns her umbrella inside out, and she is rescued by a handsome, dark-eyed stranger who offers her the shelter of his umbrella. They wait out the rain together in a pavilion, and Anne learns his name is Royal Gardner, a former Redmond student who has returned from Europe. He walks her home, asks permission to call, and later sends her a dozen roses. Anne, deeply stirred, wonders if the real Prince Charming has finally arrived.
Chapter 29
XXVI: Enter Christine
Anne prepares for a reception at Redmond, wearing a dress embroidered by Phil. Phil teases Anne about Roy Gardner and mentions that Gilbert Blythe is seeing Christine Stuart. Anne meets Christine and feels a pang of jealousy, though she tries to reassure herself about her own appearance.
Chapter 30
XXVII: Mutual Confidences
In March, the girls at Patty's Place study for exams. Philippa Gordon announces her engagement to Jonas Blake, revealing her love for him despite his lack of wealth and conventional handsomeness. Anne reflects on her own feelings for Roy Gardner, contrasting his romantic but humorless nature with Gilbert Blythe's companionship. The chapter ends with Phil's joyful confession and Anne's uncertain admission of love for Roy.
Chapter 31
A June Evening
On a beautiful June evening, Anne finds Davy Keith discouraged by his schoolwork and comforts him. The conversation turns to the recent funeral of Aunt Atossa and then to Diana's upcoming wedding, which stirs in Anne a mix of joy and sadness about growing up and change. Marilla and Mrs. Lynde are disappointed that Anne refused Gilbert Blythe, though gossip suggests she has a new wealthy suitor at college. Anne reflects on her feelings for Roy and her lost closeness with Gilbert, and mourns the inevitable changes that come with adulthood.
Chapter 32
Diana's Wedding
Diana Barry marries Fred Wright in a simple, old-fashioned ceremony at Orchard Slope. Anne serves as her bridesmaid, and the two friends reflect on their enduring friendship and the changes that marriage will bring. After the wedding, Gilbert walks Anne home and they take a moonlit stroll through Lovers' Lane, where Anne muses on the passage of time and her growing sense of distance from Avonlea.
Chapter 33
Mrs. Skinner's Romance
Anne arrives at Valley Road station to board with Miss Janet Sweet and is met by Mrs. Amelia Skinner, a cheerful and talkative widow who recently married for love. Mrs. Skinner shares her romantic story of choosing poor but loving Thomas over the wealthy William Obadiah Seaman, emphasizing the importance of love over material wealth. She drives Anne to Janet's picturesque home 'Wayside' and offers advice about the shortcut through the marsh.
Chapter 34
XXXI: Anne to Philippa
Anne writes to Philippa from Valley Road, where she is teaching and boarding at 'Wayside' with Miss Janet Sweet. She describes Janet's appearance, home, and quirks, including the preserved coffin plates. Anne mentions her interactions with the hired boy Sam Tolliver and reflects on her history with elderly love affairs, noting she will not meddle in a current one.
Chapter 35
Tea with Mrs. Douglas
Anne accompanies Janet Sweet to a prayer meeting and observes her interactions with John Douglas. Later, they visit John's mother, old Mrs. Douglas, for tea. Anne finds the visit uncomfortable as Mrs. Douglas, despite her sweet demeanor, subtly dominates the conversation and makes pointed remarks about Janet's cooking and her own frail health. Anne notices John Douglas's pained expression during the visit, hinting at underlying tension.
Chapter 36
XXXIII: “He Just Kept Coming and Coming”
Anne finds Janet crying on her fortieth birthday because John Douglas has been courting her for twenty years without proposing. Janet confesses her frustration and humiliation, and Anne urges her to show some spirit. At prayer meeting, Janet rebuffs John, but Anne, seeing his anguish, runs after him and brings him back, reconciling the couple.
Chapter 37
John Douglas Speaks at Last
As Anne's stay in Valley Road nears its end, she receives a comical proposal from the lanky Sam, which she laughs off. More significantly, old Mrs. Douglas finally dies, and John Douglas, freed from a nineteen-year promise to his mother, immediately proposes to Janet Sweet. Janet accepts, and the two decide to keep the secret of John's promise to protect his mother's memory, teaching Anne a lesson in forgiveness.
Chapter 38
The Last Redmond Year Opens
Anne and her friends return to Patty's Place for their final year at Redmond College. Phil announces her engagement to Jonas Blake, and the girls reminisce about their old Story Club tales, finding humor in their melodramatic writings. Anne discovers an old sketch that inspires her to pursue writing.
Chapter 39
The Gardners’ Call
Anne receives a check for a sketch accepted by The Youth's Friend, sparking literary ambitions. Roy Gardner informs her that his mother and sisters will call on her, leading to anxiety. The visit occurs unexpectedly on Friday, with awkward moments involving cats and a hidden cake, but Anne finds a friend in Dorothy Gardner.
Chapter 40
Full-Fledged B.A.'s
As examinations conclude and Convocation arrives, Anne and her friends reflect on their Redmond years. Anne receives flowers from both Roy and Gilbert, choosing to wear Gilbert's lilies-of-the-valley. At the graduation dance, she learns of Gilbert's rumored engagement to Christine Stuart and breaks the gold chain he gave her. Despite inner turmoil, she remains outwardly cheerful.
Chapter 41
False Dawn
Anne refuses Roy Gardner's marriage proposal, realizing she does not truly love him, and faces the emotional aftermath with her friends at Patty's Place as she prepares to leave Redmond.
Chapter 42
Deals with Weddings
Anne returns to Green Gables feeling a sense of anticlimax and loss after her breakup with Roy Gardner and the end of her college days. She learns of Jane Andrews's engagement to a wealthy man, visits Diana and her new baby, and receives a letter from Philippa Gordon about her engagement to Jonas Blake. Anne struggles with loneliness and the feeling that she belongs only in the past.
Chapter 43
A Book of Revelation
Anne returns to Green Gables after a happy visit with the Irvings at Echo Lodge, only to be devastated by the news that Gilbert Blythe is dying of typhoid fever. In her anguish, she realizes she has always loved him. After a night of storm and despair, she learns from Pacifique Buote that Gilbert has turned the corner and will recover, bringing her immense relief and joy.
Chapter 44
Love Takes Up the Glass of Time
Gilbert invites Anne for a walk to Hester Gray's garden, where he confesses his enduring love and proposes again. Anne accepts, and they pledge to wait for each other while he completes his medical studies. The chapter resolves their long-standing romantic tension.
Chapter 45
Endnotes
This chapter contains the endnotes for Chronicles of Avonlea, providing references and citations for the stories.
