Anne of the Island · Chapter
A Book of Revelation explained
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.
What happens
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.
Themes in this chapter
Love and Marriage
Anne's agonizing realization that she loves Gilbert, and her regret over misinterpreting her feelings for Roy Gardner.
Mortality and the Meaning of Life
Anne confronts the possibility of Gilbert's death and the emptiness of a life without him, leading to a profound personal revelation.
Characters to notice
- Anne Shirley
Returns from Echo Lodge, learns of Gilbert's illness, and undergoes a profound emotional revelation about her love for him.
- Davy Keith
Proudly announces his growth and bluntly tells Anne that Gilbert Blythe is dying.
- Marilla Cuthbert
Greets Anne on her return and later removes Davy from the kitchen after his tactless remark.
- Mrs. Rachel Lynde
Comforts Anne after the shocking news and provides details about Gilbert's illness.
- Gilbert Blythe
Critically ill with typhoid fever; his condition improves by morning.
- Pacifique Buote
Delivers the news that Gilbert has turned the corner and will recover.
Key passages
“There is a book of Revelation in everyone’s life, as there is in the Bible. Anne read hers that bitter night, as she kept her agonized vigil through the hours of storm and darkness.”
Every person has a moment of profound truth, and Anne experienced hers during that stormy night of suffering.
The chapter's central metaphor for Anne's emotional awakening.
“She loved Gilbert—had always loved him! She knew that now. She knew that she could no more cast him out of her life without agony than she could have cut off her right hand and cast it from her.”
Anne finally understood that her love for Gilbert was deep and essential, and losing him would be unbearable.
Anne's key realization about her true feelings.
“Weeping may endure for a night but joy cometh in the morning.”
Sorrow is temporary, and happiness returns with the new day.
Biblical allusion reflecting Anne's relief after the storm.