# XV: A Dream Turned Upside Down explained — Anne of the Island

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

## What happens

Anne's pleasant summer vacation ends with a shock when she learns that her friend Diana secretly submitted her story 'Averil's Atonement' to a baking powder company's prize competition and won. Anne is mortified by the commercial degradation of her literary work, but Gilbert's practical perspective helps ease her shame.

## Themes in this chapter

### Ambition and Career

Anne's literary ambitions clash with the commercial reality of earning money through writing.

### Friendship

Diana's well-meaning but misguided act tests Anne's appreciation of their friendship.

### Self-Discovery

Anne confronts her own ideals and learns to reconcile artistic integrity with practical needs.

## Character check-ins

### Anne Shirley

Anne is horrified to discover her story won a baking powder prize, feeling her artistic ideals have been betrayed.

### Diana Barry

Diana secretly submitted Anne's story and added baking powder references, believing she was giving Anne a delightful surprise.

### Gilbert Blythe

Gilbert offers a practical, comforting perspective, suggesting the prize money is an honest way to support herself.

### Mr. Harrison

Mr. Harrison innocently mentions the prize competition, sparking Anne's initial indignation.

## Key lines

> All life lessons are not learned at college. Life teaches them everywhere.

Anne reflects that important lessons come from everyday experiences, not just formal education.

_Anne's philosophical reflection on learning beyond the classroom._

> I feel as if I were disgraced forever. What do you think a mother would feel like if she found her child tattooed over with a baking powder advertisement? I feel just the same.

Anne compares her story's commercial use to a mother discovering her child covered in a product ad, expressing deep shame.

_Anne's dramatic reaction to the perceived degradation of her story._

> One would rather write masterpieces of literature no doubt—but meanwhile board and tuition fees have to be paid.

Gilbert points out that while writing great literature is ideal, practical financial needs must also be met.

_Gilbert's pragmatic view helps Anne see the situation more rationally._

## Links

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