Anne of the Island · Chapter
Letters from Home explained
Anne and Priscilla settle into Redmond College life, finding their place among the Freshmen class.
What happens
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.
Themes in this chapter
Friendship
Anne's deepening friendship with Philippa Gordon and the bonds with her Avonlea friends are highlighted through letters and shared experiences.
Home and Belonging
Anne's letters from home bridge her old life in Avonlea with her new life at Redmond, helping her feel connected and at home.
Ambition and Career
Anne excels in her studies, while Gilbert's strategic leadership in the class rush and election as class president reflect academic and social ambition.
Characters to notice
- Anne Shirley
Anne adjusts to college life, excels in English, and treasures letters from home.
- Philippa Gordon
Phil becomes Anne's close friend, admired for her charm and loyalty, though she feels inferior to Anne.
- Gilbert Blythe
Gilbert is elected Freshman class president and invited to join the Lambs, demonstrating his leadership and popularity.
- Diana Barry
Diana writes a newsy, delightful letter to Anne, filled with Avonlea gossip and mentions of Fred.
- Marilla Cuthbert
Marilla sends a prim, colorless letter that conveys the steadfast love and simple life at Green Gables.
- Mrs. Rachel Lynde
Mrs. Lynde writes a letter full of church news and complaints about the poor minister and Davy's mischief.
- Davy Keith
Davy writes a rambling letter complaining about Marilla's punishments and sharing local gossip.
- Ruby Gillis
Ruby writes a gushing letter about her admirers and mentions that Gilbert is writing to her, causing Anne a moment of jealousy.
Key passages
“different from any girl I ever knew before. When you look at me in a certain way I feel what an insignificant, frivolous little beast I am, and I long to be better and wiser and stronger. And then I make good resolutions; but the first nice-looking mannie who comes my way knocks them all out of my head.”
Philippa tells Anne that Anne inspires her to be better, but her good intentions are easily derailed by attractive men.
Philippa expresses her admiration for Anne and her own struggle with frivolity.
“It was not until she had got her first letters that she began to think she could ever like Kingsport or feel at home there. Before they came, Avonlea had seemed thousands of miles away; those letters brought it near and linked the old life to the new so closely that they began to seem one and the same, instead of two hopelessly segregated existences.”
Receiving letters from home made Anne feel connected to both Avonlea and Kingsport, merging her old and new lives.
The letters help Anne overcome her initial homesickness and feel at home in Kingsport.
“Gilbert seems to be enjoying Redmond, judging from his letters.”
Ruby writes that Gilbert is enjoying Redmond, based on his letters to her.
Ruby's postscript hints at a correspondence between Gilbert and Ruby, causing Anne's jealousy.
