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Anne of Green Gables

Anne of Green Gables is a beloved coming-of-age novel that tells the story of Anne Shirley, an imaginative, talkative, and fiercely independent orphan who is mistakenly sent to live with an elderly brother and sister, Matthew and Marilla Cuthbert, on Prince Edward Island in Canada. What begins as a misunderstanding soon becomes a life-changing relationship, as Anne’s creativity, emotions, and strong sense of justice bring color and warmth to the quiet farming community of Avonlea. Through Anne’s triumphs, mistakes, and growth, the novel explores themes of belonging, identity, friendship, and the power of imagination.

About the Author

The novel was written by Lucy Maud Montgomery, often known as L. M. Montgomery. Born in 1874 on Prince Edward Island, Canada, Montgomery drew heavily on her surroundings and personal experiences when creating the world of Avonlea. She began writing at a young age and published poems, short stories, and essays before achieving international fame with Anne of Green Gables. Montgomery’s writing is known for its vivid descriptions of nature, emotional depth, and memorable characters, and her work has had a lasting impact on children’s literature around the world.

Historical Context: When the Book Was Written

Anne of Green Gables was first published in 1908, during a period when Canada was still shaping its national identity. At the turn of the 20th century, society placed strong emphasis on duty, hard work, and proper behavior—especially for children and young women. Against this backdrop, Anne Shirley stood out as an unconventional heroine: outspoken, imaginative, and unwilling to suppress her emotions. The novel reflects both the values and limitations of its time while quietly challenging expectations about childhood, education, and gender roles. Its warm portrayal of rural life and emotional honesty helped it resonate with readers then and continue to do so today.

Anne of Green Gables — Study Guide

Book Overview

Anne of Green Gables is a classic coming-of-age story by Lucy Maud Montgomery. The novel follows Anne Shirley, an orphan whose vivid imagination and strong emotions shape her journey toward belonging, maturity, and self-acceptance in the small community of Avonlea.

Key Characters

Major Themes

Questions to Think About While Reading

  1. How does Anne’s imagination help her, and when does it cause problems?
  2. In what ways do Marilla and Matthew change because of Anne?
  3. Why is Anne’s friendship with Diana so important to her development?
  4. How does Anne’s rivalry with Gilbert influence her growth and motivation?
  5. What does the novel suggest about the balance between individuality and fitting into society?
  6. How do the expectations of children—especially girls—shape Anne’s experiences?

Reading Tip

As you read, pay attention to Anne’s language and emotional reactions. Notice how her way of seeing the world changes as she grows older, and how the people around her influence that change.