Anne of Green Gables: Chapter – Marilla Makes Up Her Mind - Study Guide
This study guide will help you understand the key elements of Chapter 8, “Marilla Makes Up Her Mind,” focusing on themes, vocabulary, and important quotes.
Themes / Big Ideas
Mistaken Identity & Unexpected Circumstances: The entire chapter revolves around a significant error – the Cuthberts expecting a boy instead of a girl. This highlights how life doesn’t always go as planned and the importance of adapting to unforeseen situations.
The Power of First Impressions: Marilla’s initial reluctance towards Anne is based on her expectation of a boy and the perceived inconvenience of having a girl. This demonstrates how quickly judgments can be formed, and the potential for those impressions to change.
The Importance of Compassion & Empathy: Marilla’s growing concern for Anne, despite her reservations, reveals a developing sense of compassion. Her discomfort at sending Anne to Mrs. Blewett shows her recognizing the child’s vulnerability and need for kindness.
The Search for Belonging: Anne desperately seeks a home and acceptance. The possibility of being sent to Mrs. Blewett, or even back to the asylum, underscores her fear of continued displacement and loneliness.
The Role of Fate/Providence: Mrs. Spencer suggests the situation is “providential,” implying a larger plan at work. While Marilla doesn’t share this belief, the chapter explores whether events are guided by chance or destiny.
The Unconventional Family: The chapter hints at the potential for a unique family dynamic between Marilla, Matthew, and Anne. It challenges traditional notions of what constitutes a “family.”
Vocabulary List
| Word | Part of Speech | Definition |
|---------------|----------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Benevolent | Adjective | Well meaning and kindly |
| Blight | Noun | Something that causes something to decay or suffer |
| Queer | Adjective | Strange, odd, unusual |
| Corroborated | Verb | Confirmed or supported (a statement, theory, etc.) |
| Resignedly | Adverb | Accepting something without protest; with a sense of inevitability |
| Providential | Adjective | Occurring at the proper time; fortunate or advantageous |
| Superfluous | Adjective | Unnecessary, especially through being more than enough |
| Shrewish | Adjective | Bad-tempered and nagging |
| Qualm | Noun | A feeling of uneasiness or guilt |
| Tender Mercies | Phrase | Kindness and compassion |
| Pert | Adjective | Bold or saucy; impudent |
| Transfigured | Verb | Dramatically changed in form or appearance |
| Fractious | Adjective | Easily irritated; bad-tempered |
| Vim | Noun | Energy, enthusiasm, or liveliness |
| Reassured | Verb | To relieve someone’s fears or doubts |
Quotes to Look For & Analyze
“A blight seemed to have descended on her.” (Page 1): This quote illustrates Anne’s immediate disappointment and sadness upon learning about the mistake. What does this imagery suggest about her emotional state?
“It was our own fault,” said Marilla resignedly. “We should have come to you ourselves and not left an important message to be passed along by word of mouth in that fashion.” (Page 2): This shows Marilla taking responsibility for the error. What does this reveal about her character?
“Here was an unexpectedly good chance to get this unwelcome orphan off her hands, and she did not even feel grateful for it.” (Page 3): This quote highlights Marilla’s initial lack of warmth towards Anne. Why might she feel this way?
“A little girl like you should be ashamed of talking so about a lady and a stranger,” she said severely. (Page 6): This demonstrates Marilla’s strict and conventional upbringing. How does this contrast with Anne's personality?
“She’s such an interesting little thing.” (Page 8): Matthew's simple statement reveals his growing affection for Anne. How does this differ from Marilla’s perspective?
“I kind of think she’s one of the sort you can do anything with if you only get her to love you.” (Page 8): Matthew’s belief in Anne's potential foreshadows the positive impact she will have on their lives.
“Anyhow, we’ve decided on the experiment and goodness only knows what will come of it.” (Page 9): This quote encapsulates the uncertainty and anticipation surrounding their decision to keep Anne. What kind of “experiment” do you think this will be?
This study guide should help you delve deeper into the nuances of Chapter 8 and understand its significance within the larger narrative of Anne of Green Gables.