Anne of the Island · Chapter
Diana's Wedding explained
Diana Barry marries Fred Wright in a simple, old-fashioned ceremony at Orchard Slope.
What happens
Diana Barry marries Fred Wright in a simple, old-fashioned ceremony at Orchard Slope. Anne serves as her bridesmaid, and the two friends reflect on their enduring friendship and the changes that marriage will bring. After the wedding, Gilbert walks Anne home and they take a moonlit stroll through Lovers' Lane, where Anne muses on the passage of time and her growing sense of distance from Avonlea.
Themes in this chapter
Friendship
Anne and Diana reflect on their long-standing friendship, the oath they swore, and the changes that marriage will bring to their relationship.
Change and Loss
Anne feels the bittersweet passage of time as Diana marries and she herself begins to feel like a stranger in Avonlea.
Love and Marriage
The chapter centers on Diana's wedding, with Anne contemplating her own future and the nature of romantic love.
Characters to notice
- Anne Shirley
Serves as Diana's bridesmaid, reflects on their friendship and the changes ahead, and walks with Gilbert through Lovers' Lane.
- Diana Barry
The bride, nervous but composed, marries Fred Wright and leaves for her new home.
- Gilbert Blythe
Escorts Anne to the parlour, walks her home, and suggests a stroll through Lovers' Lane.
- Fred Wright
The groom, marries Diana in a simple ceremony.
- Marilla Cuthbert
Present at the wedding, receives a comment from Mrs. Rachel Lynde about Anne and Gilbert.
- Mrs. Rachel Lynde
Whispers to Marilla about what a fine-looking pair Anne and Gilbert make.
Key passages
“After all, the only real roses are the pink ones,” said Anne, as she tied white ribbon around Diana’s bouquet in the westward-looking gable at Orchard Slope. “They are the flowers of love and faith.””
Anne declares that pink roses symbolize love and faith as she prepares Diana's wedding bouquet.
Anne's romantic idealism is expressed through her choice of flowers for Diana's wedding.
“We’ve had a beautiful friendship, Diana. We’ve never marred it by one quarrel or coolness or unkind word; and I hope it will always be so. But things can’t be quite the same after this. You’ll have other interests. I’ll just be on the outside. But ‘such is life’ as Mrs. Rachel says.”
Anne acknowledges that while their friendship has been perfect, marriage will inevitably change their dynamic.
Anne reflects on the bittersweet nature of growing up and the inevitable shifts in close relationships.
“Oh, it was nice to be walking over that well-known road with Gilbert again! The night was so very still that one should have been able to hear the whisper of roses in blossom—the laughter of daisies—the piping of grasses—many sweet sounds, all tangled up together.”
Anne feels a deep sense of comfort and nostalgia walking home with Gilbert, surrounded by the beauty of the night.
Anne's emotional connection to Gilbert and to Avonlea is highlighted through her sensory appreciation of the evening.