Anne of Green Gables: Chapter Study Guide - "Anne Says Her Prayers"
This study guide will help you understand the key themes, vocabulary, and important moments in Chapter 3 of Anne of Green Gables.
Themes / Big Ideas
The Power of Imagination: Anne's internal world is incredibly rich. She finds beauty and meaning in everything, even religious concepts, through her imagination. This chapter highlights how she wants to connect with spirituality but does so on her own terms.
The Importance of Nurturing: Anne has lacked consistent love and guidance in her life. Marilla recognizes the need to provide this, particularly regarding religious instruction, but struggles with how best to approach it given Anne’s unique personality.
Defining Spirituality: The chapter explores what it means to have faith and how that can be expressed. Is it rote memorization of catechisms, or a personal connection with something greater? Marilla begins to question her own assumptions about prayer.
Social Conditioning vs. Genuine Belief: Anne's understanding of God and prayer is based on what she’s been told at the asylum, not personal conviction. This raises questions about the effectiveness of simply imposing religious rules.
Finding Beauty in the Mundane: Anne's prayer is centered around her appreciation for the natural world – “the White Way of Delight” and “the Lake of Shining Waters.” This demonstrates her ability to find joy and gratitude in simple things.
Vocabulary List
| Word | Part of Speech | Definition
|
|---------------|----------------|----------------------------------------------|
| Harrowed | Verb | Distressed or tormented with great anxiety. |
| Admonished | Verb | To caution or advise against something. |
| Catechism | Noun | A summary of religious doctrine. |
| Heathen | Noun | Someone not adhering to established beliefs.|
| Splendid | Adjective | Magnificent; very impressive. |
| Rebroachfully | Adverb | In a manner expressing disapproval or blame. |
| Irreverence | Noun | Lack of respect for things that are sacred. |
| Medium | Noun | A means by which something is communicated.|
| Flowery | Adjective | Elaborate or ornate in style.
|
| Ministers | Noun | A leader or representative of a religion. |
| Peep of the Day | Noun | A series of religious books for children. |
| Vowing | Verb | To make a solemn promise. |
Quotes to Look For
“I never say any prayers,” announced Anne. – This is the central conflict of the chapter and reveals a significant gap in Anne’s upbringing.
“‘God is a spirit, infinite, eternal and unchangeable, in His being, wisdom, power, holiness, justice, goodness, and truth,’” responded Anne promptly and glibly. – Demonstrates Anne’s ability to memorize but not necessarily understand religious concepts.
“You’d find it easier to be bad than good if you had red hair,” said Anne reproachfully. “People who haven’t red hair don’t know what trouble is.” – Highlights Anne's sense of being different and unfairly judged.
“Just thank God for your blessings and ask Him humbly for the things you want.” – Marilla’s attempt to provide a simple, personalized prayer instruction.
“Gracious heavenly Father, I thank Thee for the White Way of Delight and the Lake of Shining Waters and Bonny and the Snow Queen…Please let me stay at Green Gables; and please let me be good-looking when I grow up.” – A perfect example of Anne’s unique and self-centered prayer.
“I felt a prayer should be finished off in some way, so I put in the other.” – Shows Anne’s logical approach to things and her desire to do them "correctly," even if she doesn't fully understand why.
“Matthew Cuthbert, it’s about time somebody adopted that child and taught her something. She’s next door to a perfect heathen.” – Marilla's realization of the extent of Anne’s lack of religious upbringing and her determination to address it.