Anne of the Island · Chapter
XIV: The Summons explained
Anne visits Ruby Gillis, who is dying of consumption.
What happens
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.
Themes in this chapter
Mortality and the Meaning of Life
Ruby's fear of death and Anne's reflections on heaven highlight the struggle to find meaning in the face of mortality.
Change and Loss
Ruby's impending death marks the first loss among Anne's schoolmates, emphasizing the inevitability of change.
Characters to notice
- Anne Shirley
Visits Ruby Gillis, offers spiritual comfort, and reflects on mortality and the afterlife.
- Ruby Gillis
Dying of consumption, expresses fear of death and longing for a normal life.
- Diana Barry
Walks home with Anne after Ruby's death, discusses the funeral and mortality.
- Davy Keith
Asks Anne about laughter in heaven and expresses a desire to live to 100.
- Mrs. Rachel Lynde
Mentioned as commenting on the Gillises' splurge at funerals.
Key passages
“I think, perhaps, we have very mistaken ideas about heaven—what it is and what it holds for us. I don’t think it can be so very different from life here as most people seem to think. I believe we’ll just go on living, a good deal as we live here—and be ourselves just the same—only it will be easier to be good and to—follow the highest.”
Anne suggests that heaven may be a continuation of earthly life, where it becomes easier to be virtuous.
Anne's evolving spiritual perspective offers comfort to Ruby.
“I want to live like other girls. I—I want to be married, Anne—and—and—have little children. You know I always loved babies, Anne.”
Ruby expresses her desire for a normal life, including marriage and motherhood.
Ruby's confession reveals her deep longing for the life she is about to lose.