# Home Again explained — Anne of the Island

> Chapter companion for Anne of the Island by L. M. Montgomery.

## What happens

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.

## Themes in this chapter

### Home and Belonging

Anne's deep longing for Green Gables and the loving welcome she receives upon her return.

### Coming of Age

Anne's transition from Redmond student to returning home, and her guidance of Davy through a moral dilemma.

### Change and Loss

The contrast between Anne's new life at Redmond and the enduring, yet changed, home at Green Gables.

## Character check-ins

### Anne Shirley

Returns to Green Gables for Christmas, reflecting on the love waiting for her and helping Davy with his moral struggle.

### Davy Keith

Welcomes Anne with a bonfire and war-whoop, confesses his temptation to say a bad word, and is guided by Anne.

### Dora Keith

Clinging to Anne's hand upon her arrival, the quiet twin.

### Marilla Cuthbert

Meets Anne in the shadows to hide her tears of joy, sarcastic after self-betrayal.

### Mrs. Rachel Lynde

Present at Green Gables, sonsy and kindly, comments on Davy's antics and Ludovic Speed's courtship.

### Diana Barry

Meets Anne at Carmody station and drives her home, stays overnight for confidences.

### Philippa Gordon

Writes a letter to Anne about her holiday with Alec and Alonzo, unable to decide whom to marry.

### Gilbert Blythe

Mentioned as one of the leaders in Freshman classes alongside Anne and Philippa.

## Key lines

> Those first three weeks at Redmond had seemed long; but the rest of the term flew by on wings of wind.

The initial weeks at Redmond felt lengthy, but the remainder of the term passed very quickly.

_Describes the swift passage of time during Anne's first college term._

> There'll be love there, Phil—faithful, tender love, such as I'll never find anywhere else in the world—love that's waiting for me. That makes my picture a masterpiece, doesn't it, even if the colours are not very brilliant?

The love waiting for her at Green Gables makes her homecoming perfect, even if the setting is simple.

_Anne explains to Phil why returning home is more valuable than a glamorous holiday._

> I want to say a bad word, Anne... I heard Mr. Harrison's hired boy say it one day last week, and ever since I've been wanting to say it all the time—even when I'm saying my prayers.

Davy confesses he has been tempted to repeat a swear word he heard from a hired boy.

_Davy's moral struggle and Anne's gentle handling of the situation._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/anne_of_the_island_se/chapters/vii-home-again
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/anne_of_the_island_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/anne_of_the_island_se/chapters