The Last Redmond Year Opens explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Friendship

  The chapter highlights the bond between the girls as they reunite, share stories, and support each other through academic pressures.

• Ambition and Career

  Anne's rediscovery of her old sketch and her decision to pursue writing reflects her creative ambitions.

• Change and Loss

  The girls face their final year at Redmond, marking the end of an era, and Stella expresses feelings of discouragement and uncertainty about the future.

Characters to notice

• Anne Shirley

  Returns to Patty's Place, reminisces about the Story Club, and finds inspiration in an old sketch.

• Philippa Gordon

  Returns joyfully, announces her engagement to Jonas Blake, and discusses her family's reaction.

• Aunt Jamesina

  Welcomes the girls back, shares stories of her own beaux, and offers wisdom.

• Priscilla Grant

  Returns to Patty's Place and feeds the Sarah-cat.

• Stella Maynard

  Feels discouraged and blue, discusses life's meaning with Anne.

• Rusty

  Welcomed back by Anne, noted for losing another piece of ear.

Key passages

• “Here we are, all back again, nicely sunburned and rejoicing as a strong man to run a race”

  Phil expresses joy at returning to Patty's Place after summer.

  Phil's enthusiastic greeting sets the tone for the chapter.

• “I had Jo up to Mount Holly, after mother grew calm, and they both loved him.”

  Phil introduced Jonas to her family and they approved of him.

  Phil shares the success of her engagement announcement.

• “I believe I will.”

  Anne decides to pursue writing after reading her old sketch.

  Anne's resolution marks a turning point in her creative journey.