Anne of the Island · Chapter
Miss Josephine Remembers the Anne-Girl explained
During the Christmas holidays, Anne returns to Green Gables but finds Avonlea in the grip of a severe winter storm that isolates her.
What happens
During the Christmas holidays, Anne returns to Green Gables but finds Avonlea in the grip of a severe winter storm that isolates her. She feels lonely as Diana is ill, Ruby Gillis has died, and Jane Andrews is away. Gilbert's visits become awkward with his intense gaze, and Marilla and Mrs. Lynde's matchmaking adds to her discomfort. Davy's irreverent chatter provides some distraction. Anne receives news of Miss Josephine Barry's death and learns she has been left a thousand dollars in her will, easing her financial worries about returning to Redmond.
Themes in this chapter
Home and Belonging
Anne feels torn between her love for Green Gables and her longing for the companionship and warmth of Patty's Place, highlighting her evolving sense of home.
Change and Loss
The chapter reflects on the loss of Ruby Gillis, Miss Josephine Barry's death, and the changing dynamics in Anne's relationships, especially with Gilbert.
Ambition and Career
Anne worries about her ability to return to Redmond College due to financial constraints, but Miss Barry's legacy offers a path forward.
Characters to notice
- Anne Shirley
Returns to Green Gables for Christmas holidays, feeling lonely and conflicted about Gilbert's attention; receives news of Miss Josephine Barry's death and a legacy of a thousand dollars.
- Davy Keith
Enjoys shoveling snow and reading adventure stories; makes irreverent comments about the Bible and marriage, and speculates about Anne's future.
- Gilbert Blythe
Visits Anne faithfully despite the storms, but his intense gaze makes Anne uncomfortable and embarrassed.
- Marilla Cuthbert
Takes the twins to Mrs. Lynde's when Gilbert visits, signaling matchmaking intentions; discusses Miss Josephine Barry's death with Mrs. Lynde.
- Diana Barry
Imprisoned at home with bronchitis during the holidays, unable to visit Anne.
- Aunt Jamesina
Stays at Patty's Place over Christmas to care for the cats; writes a letter to Anne about keeping the hearth-fire alight and her worries about snakes in India.
Key passages
“Anne went home with the usual joyous anticipations—which were not wholly fulfilled.”
Anne's expectations of a joyful homecoming were dampened by the harsh winter and her loneliness.
Sets the tone for Anne's mixed feelings during the holidays.
“Anne almost dreaded them. It was very disconcerting to look up in the midst of a sudden silence and find Gilbert's hazel eyes fixed upon her with a quite unmistakable expression in their grave depths; and it was still more disconcerting to find herself blushing hotly and uncomfortably under his gaze, just as if—just as if—well, it was very embarrassing.”
Anne felt uneasy during Gilbert's visits because his intense gaze made her blush and feel self-conscious.
Highlights the growing romantic tension between Anne and Gilbert.
“Miss Josephine Barry is dead... She has left me a thousand dollars in her will.”
Anne learns that Miss Josephine Barry has died and bequeathed her a thousand dollars.
This legacy alleviates Anne's financial worries about continuing her education.