# XVI: Adjusted Relationships explained — Anne of the Island

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

## What happens

Anne and her friends settle into Patty's Place, enjoying the process of homemaking and adjusting to college life. Anne's prize story causes mixed reactions in Avonlea, but she is relieved to return to Redmond. The chapter introduces Aunt Jamesina and her cats, and Rusty, a stray cat who adopts Anne.

## Themes in this chapter

### Home and Belonging

The girls create a home at Patty's Place, finding comfort and hominess in their shared space.

### Friendship

The bond among Anne, Phil, Priscilla, Stella, and Aunt Jamesina strengthens as they adjust to living together.

### Ambition and Career

Anne's prize story brings both pride and criticism, reflecting her literary ambitions and the societal scrutiny she faces.

## Character check-ins

### Anne Shirley

Settles into Patty's Place, deals with mixed reactions to her prize story, and reluctantly adopts Rusty the cat.

### Philippa Gordon

Expresses delight at Patty's Place, still undecided between Alec and Alonzo.

### Aunt Jamesina

Arrives at Patty's Place with her cats Joseph and the Sarah-cat, bringing a relaxed and humorous attitude.

### Stella Maynard

Part of the household at Patty's Place, expresses concern about cat conflicts.

### Priscilla Grant

Shares in the homemaking and settling into Patty's Place.

### Rusty

A stray cat who adopts Anne and becomes part of the household despite initial resistance.

## Key lines

> It’s the homiest spot I ever saw⁠—it’s homier than home

Philippa declares Patty's Place feels even more like home than her actual home.

_Highlights the theme of home and belonging._

> We’ll putty the holes up when we leave, dear⁠—she’ll never know

The girls plan to hide the nail holes in the walls when they move out.

_Shows their playful disregard for Miss Patty's instructions._

> I’m old enough to indulge myself in the matter of shoes and opinions. I mean to take it real easy here.

Aunt Jamesina declares she will not be a strict chaperone and will enjoy her comfort.

_Establishes Aunt Jamesina's relaxed and humorous character._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/anne_of_the_island_se/chapters/xvi-adjusted-relationships
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/anne_of_the_island_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/anne_of_the_island_se/chapters