Spring and Anne Return to Green Gables explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Home and Belonging

  Anne's return emphasizes Green Gables as her true home, contrasting with Redmond and Bolingbroke.

• Change and Loss

  Marilla reflects on her past and the transformative impact Anne has had on her life.

Characters to notice

• Anne Shirley

  Returns home early from Redmond, bringing Mayflowers and violets, and shares her joy at being back at Green Gables.

• Marilla Cuthbert

  Reflects on her past and how Anne has changed her life; warmly welcomes Anne home.

• Davy Keith

  Bursts in excitedly, shows off his missing tooth, and talks about selling it to Milty Boulter and his plans to marry Stella Fletcher.

Key passages

• “The firelight shadows were dancing over the kitchen walls at Green Gables, for the spring evening was chilly; through the open east window drifted in the subtly sweet voices of the night.”

  The flickering firelight cast shadows on the kitchen walls as a cool spring evening settled in, and the gentle sounds of the night came through the open window.

  Sets the warm, nostalgic atmosphere of Anne's homecoming.

• “And the coming of Anne—the vivid, imaginative, impetuous child with her heart of love, and her world of fancy, bringing with her colour and warmth and radiance, until the wilderness of existence had blossomed like the rose.”

  Anne's arrival brought vibrancy, imagination, and love, transforming Marilla's once barren life into something beautiful.

  Highlights Marilla's deep appreciation for Anne's impact on her life.

• “Redmond was splendid and Bolingbroke delightful—but Green Gables is home.”

  Though Anne enjoyed her time at Redmond and Bolingbroke, Green Gables remains her true home.

  Emphasizes the theme of home and belonging.