Anne of Green Gables: Chapter 1 – "Morning at Green Gables" Study Guide
This study guide will help you understand the key elements of Chapter 1, focusing on themes, vocabulary, and important quotes.
Themes / Big Ideas
Imagination & Escapism: Anne's vivid imagination is immediately established as a coping mechanism. She creates worlds and finds beauty even in uncertainty, using it to deal with the potential disappointment of not being wanted. This theme will be central throughout the novel.
The Power of Nature: The beauty of Green Gables – the trees, flowers, brook, sea – profoundly impacts Anne. Nature offers solace, joy, and a sense of belonging. The chapter highlights how deeply connected Anne is to the natural world.
Loneliness & Belonging: Anne’s history of displacement and her fear of rejection create a deep sense of loneliness. She desperately seeks connection and acceptance, even imagining it when it isn’t present.
Misunderstanding & Communication: Marilla struggles to connect with Anne, her curtness stemming from discomfort and unfamiliarity. This illustrates the challenges of communication and understanding between different personalities.
The Importance of Kindness & Sympathy: Matthew’s quiet sympathy contrasts with Marilla's practicality. The chapter hints at the importance of kindness in accepting and nurturing someone different.
Resilience & Hope: Despite the initial disappointment, Anne displays remarkable resilience and finds moments of joy. Her ability to find beauty even in sadness foreshadows her enduring spirit.
Vocabulary List
| Word | Part of Speech | Definition |
|---------------|----------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Feathery | Adjective | Light and airy; resembling feathers. |
| Cheery | Adjective | Brightly cheerful; optimistic. |
| Confusedly | Adverb | In a state of bewilderment or uncertainty. |
| Thrill | Noun | A sudden feeling of excitement and pleasure. |
| Remembrance | Noun | The act of remembering; a memory. |
| Stiffly | Adverb | Rigidly or awkwardly; with difficulty. |
| Creakily | Adverb | With a creaking sound. |
| Scope | Noun | Extent or range of view; opportunity. |
| Thick-set | Adjective | Densely packed or closely grouped. |
| Lush | Adjective | Growing luxuriantly; abundant. |
| Airily | Adverb | In a light and carefree manner. |
| Undergrowth | Noun | A dense growth of plants, especially low-lying vegetation. |
| Suggestive | Adjective | Hinting at something; implying. |
| Glistening | Verb | Shining with a sparkling light. |
| Curtly | Adverb | Abruptly and rudely; briefly. |
| Comprehensively | Adverb | In a complete and thorough manner. |
| Radiantly | Adverb | Shining brightly; glowing. |
| Affliction | Noun | A state of pain or suffering. |
| Abstracted | Adjective | Lost in thought; preoccupied. |
| Reverie | Noun | A state of dreamy meditation or fanciful musing. |
| Wistfully | Adverb | With a feeling of longing or regretful yearning. |
| Potent | Adjective | Having great power, influence, or effect. |
| Aggravating | Adjective | Annoying; irritating. |
| Indignantly | Adverb | With anger or annoyance provoked by unfair treatment. |
| Relinquishing | Verb | Voluntarily letting go of something. |
Quotes to Look For & Analyze
“For a moment she could not remember where she was. First came a delightful thrill, as of something very pleasant; then a horrible remembrance.” – This quote immediately establishes Anne’s emotional vulnerability and the uncertainty of her situation.
“Oh, wasn’t it beautiful? Wasn’t it a lovely place?” – This demonstrates Anne's immediate connection to Green Gables and her ability to find joy in the natural world.
“It’s a big tree,” said Marilla, “and it blooms great, but the fruit don’t amount to much never—small and wormy.” – This quote highlights the contrast between Anne’s romantic view of nature and Marilla's practical perspective.
“I shall always like to remember that there is a brook at Green Gables even if I never see it again.” – This shows Anne’s resilience and her ability to find beauty even in the face of potential disappointment.
“You’d better get dressed and come down-stairs and never mind your imaginings.” – This quote exemplifies Marilla’s curtness and her lack of understanding towards Anne's emotional needs.
“She is kind of interesting, as Matthew says.” – This quote reveals Marilla’s growing (though reluctant) recognition of Anne's unique qualities.
“I think he’s lovely,” said Anne reproachfully. “He is so very sympathetic.” – This highlights the connection between Anne and Matthew, based on his quiet acceptance of her.
“I don’t dare go out,” said Anne, in the tone of a martyr relinquishing all earthly joys. – This quote showcases Anne’s dramatic nature and her fear of forming attachments that might be broken.
“Oh, I like things to have handles even if they are only geraniums.” – This quote reveals Anne’s quirky personality and her desire to find meaning in everything around her.
“She’ll be casting a spell over me, too.” – This quote foreshadows Marilla's eventual acceptance of Anne and the transformative effect she has on her life.
This study guide should help you delve deeper into Chapter 1 of Anne of Green Gables and appreciate the nuances of its characters, themes, and language.