"Anne of Green Gables" discussion, chapters 20-29

[Caryl]

This thread is a continuation of our <u>Anne of Green Gables</u> discussion. Post your thoughts about chapters 20 through 29 here.

A couple of questions to answer if you like:

~What was your favorite chapter in this section?
~Tell about a character, besides Anne, that you've enjoyed having in the story.

Feel free to add more questions to our discussion! http://www.storknet.com/boards/smile.gif

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Caryl
Mom to Charon, 7/19/99
Co-Moderator for the Reading Circle and Heart of the Home Forums
"How we spend our days is, of course, how we spend our lives."
--Annie Dillard

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[This message has been edited by Caryl (edited 11-14-2001).]

[NikkiD]

I don't have the book here in front of me but one of my favorite chapters is when Anne and Diana jump into old Mrs. Barry's bed. The way that wins over Ms. Barry is hysterical... and Ms. Barry becomes a huge Anne support. She plays a role in Anne-girl's life throughout the rest of the book http://www.storknet.com/boards/smile.gif

My favorite character is a toss up between Marilla and Matthew. Marilla for obvious reasons. Her initial fear and distrust of Anne. Her grudging acceptance of Anne and then later, her secret pride about Anne. And then of course, those rare moments when she would let Anne know how she truly felt.
I like Matthew because he was so subtle and so awkward about his feelings towards Anne. The book doesn't showcase too much of Matthew's personality but you see that knowing and loving Anne changes him so much. ..

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Nikki, 1st time Mom
Trenton 02.23.01

Come See My Boy! (http://www.paulandnikki.ourfamily.com)
Updated 11.05.01

[Caryl]

I think my two favorite chapters in this section were "Matthew Insists on Puffed Sleeves" (chp. 25) and "An Unfortunate Lily Maid" (chp. 28.) And aren't the chapter titles just wonderful?

I am really enjoying watching the character development of Matthew and Marilla too, Nikki. I marked the part in the book where Marilla sees Mr. Barry carrying Anne home after her fall from the ridgepoll:

At that moment Marilla had a revelation. In the sudden stab of fear that pierced to her very heart she realized what Anne had come to mean to her... Anne was dearer to her than anything on earth.

I also liked it when Matthew told Anne, "Don't give up all your romance.... A little of it is a good thing-- not too much of course-- but keep a little of it, Anne, keep a little of it."

I also really enjoy Mrs. Lynde's character; she's likable and exasperating at the same time! http://www.storknet.com/boards/smile.gif

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Caryl
Mom to Charon, 7/19/99
Co-Moderator for the Reading Circle and Heart of the Home Forums
"How we spend our days is, of course, how we spend our lives."
--Annie Dillard

[djk42]

I loved the whole thing!

I too loved Marilla and how she tries so hard to raise Anne right. Sometimes I think it isn't fair that the woman/mom is stuck with the moralizing and the man gets to pamper and spoil. Marilla would so like to have a loving relationship with Anne, but she thinks she can't do that and raise her at the same time. It is a hard balance.

At the very end of this section, Marilla admits that Anne's trip was the longest four days of her life, and she replies, "But the best of it all was the coming home." In their own sweet way they do show a reserved love, beyond respect and gratitude.

And Mrs. Barry! She says she thought Marilla a fool at first, but she knows if she had a child like Anne in the house she'd be a better and happier woman. Doesn't it make you want to rush out and adopt an orphan?

We're almost done.. I can't wait. http://www.storknet.com/boards/smile.gif

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Mommy to Aren (1-98), Elizabeth (6-99) and Abigail (8-01)
Happily Nursing Three Precious Angels

[Caryl]

I enjoyed reading your thoughts, djk42. You said:

Sometimes I think it isn't fair that the woman/mom is stuck with the moralizing and the man gets to pamper and spoil. Marilla would so like to have a loving relationship with Anne, but she thinks she can't do that and raise her at the same time. It is a hard balance.

So true! Enjoy the rest of the book. http://www.storknet.com/boards/smile.gif

Caryl