# XIV: The Summons explained — Anne of the Island

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

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/anne_of_the_island_se/chapters/xiv-the-summons
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/anne_of_the_island_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/anne_of_the_island_se/chapters