Anne of Green Gables: Chapter 1 - Mrs. Rachel Lynde Is Surprised – Study
Guide
This study guide will help you understand the first chapter of Anne of Green Gables, focusing on key themes, vocabulary, and important quotes.
Themes / Big Ideas
Gossip & Community: The chapter establishes the importance of community and how closely people observe each other’s lives. Mrs. Lynde's constant surveillance highlights the role of gossip and social expectations in Avonlea.
Expectations vs. Reality: The entire chapter revolves around a miscommunication and the anticipation of something not happening as planned. This sets up the central conflict of the story – the arrival of a girl instead of the expected boy.
Prejudice & Assumptions: Mrs. Lynde’s preconceived notions about orphans and adopted children demonstrate the potential for prejudice based on limited knowledge. She immediately assumes negative qualities without knowing anything about the child arriving.
The Value of Home & Family: The Cuthberts' desire for help on the farm leads them to consider adoption. This introduces the theme of creating a family and providing a loving home, even outside traditional structures.
Shyness & Introversion: Matthew Cuthbert's character is immediately established as reserved and quiet. The chapter explores the challenges faced by those who are naturally introverted in a social world.
Vocabulary List
| Word | Part of Speech | Definition |
|----------------|----------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Fringed | Adjective | Having a decorative edge; bordered with tassels or similar ornamentation. |
| Traversed | Verb | To travel across or through |
| Intricate | Adjective | Very complicated or detailed. |
| Ferreted out | Verb | To discover something hidden by searching carefully. |
| Dint | Noun | Effort or force; power |
| Wont | Verb | Accustomed to; usually did. |
| Awed | Adjective | Filled with reverence or respect mixed with fear. |
| Peninsula | Noun | A piece of land almost surrounded by water; projecting into the sea. |
| Gauntlet | Noun | A challenge or ordeal; a running of the gauntlet (originally a form of punishment) |
| Bridal | Adjective | Relating to or characteristic of a wedding. |
| Myriad | Noun | A countless or extremely great number. |
| Meek | Adjective | Quiet, gentle, and submissive. |
| Turnip | Noun | A root vegetable. |
| Placidly | Adverb | Calmly and peacefully. |
| Betokened | Verb | Signified; indicated. |
| Jaunting | Adjective | A short, quick trip or ride. |
| Patriarchal | Adjective | Relating to a patriarch (a male head of a family or tribe). |
| Rambling | Adjective | Extending in an irregular way; wandering. |
| Embowered | Verb | Surrounded or covered with trees, plants, etc. |
| Rudded | Adjective | Rough and uneven; having ruts. |
| Distrustful | Adjective | Having or showing a lack of trust. |
| Irresponsible | Adjective | Not showing a sense of responsibility. |
| Bristly | Adjective | Having stiff, short hairs or bristles. |
| Qualms | Noun | Feelings of doubt or misgiving. |
| Spry | Adjective | Active and lively. |
| Uncanny | Adjective | Strange or mysterious, especially in an unsettling way. |
- Strychnine | Noun | A poisonous crystalline alkaloid. |
Quotes to Look For
“There are plenty of people, in Avonlea and out of it, who can attend closely to their neighbors’ business by dint of neglecting their own; but Mrs. Rachel Lynde was one of those capable creatures who can manage their own concerns and those of other folks into the bargain.” – This quote establishes Mrs. Lynde’s character and her role in the community.
“She was sitting there one afternoon in early June…keeping a sharp eye on everything that passed, from brooks and children up.” – This highlights her constant surveillance.
“Matthew Cuthbert, dressed up with a white collar and driving in a buggy, was something that didn’t happen often.” – This is the central mystery of the chapter and sparks Mrs. Lynde’s curiosity.
“‘I don’t deny there’s something in what you say, Rachel. I’ve had some qualms myself. But Matthew was terrible set on it.’” – This shows Marilla’s willingness to compromise for her husband.
“‘We decided to ask Mrs. Spencer to pick us out one when she went over to get her little girl. We heard last week she was going, so we sent her word by Richard Spencer’s folks at Carmody to bring us a smart, likely boy of about ten or eleven.’” – This reveals the plan for adopting a boy.
“‘Well, Marilla, I’ll just tell you plain that I think you’re doing a mighty foolish thing—a risky thing, that’s what.’” – This demonstrates Mrs. Lynde's prejudice and skepticism.
“‘It does really seem as if I must be dreaming.’” – This quote captures Mrs. Lynde’s shock at the news of adopting a child, especially a boy.
“‘I wouldn’t be in that orphan’s shoes for anything.’” – This shows Mrs. Lynde's initial pity for the unknown child.
This study guide should help you analyze and understand the key elements of Chapter 1, setting the stage for the adventures to come!