Anne of Green Gables: Chapter Study Guide - "Anne’s Bringing-up Is Begun"
This study guide will help you understand the key themes, vocabulary, and important quotes from Chapter 3 of Anne of Green Gables.
Themes / Big Ideas
This chapter lays the foundation for many of the book’s central themes. Consider how these ideas are introduced and developed:
Imagination vs. Reality: Anne's rich inner world is immediately contrasted with Marilla’s practical nature. The chapter explores the tension between Anne's fantastical thoughts and the demands of everyday life. This is a core conflict throughout the novel.
Belonging & Acceptance: Anne desperately seeks acceptance and a sense of home. Her anxiety about being sent away highlights her vulnerability and longing for connection. The chapter marks the beginning of finding that belonging at Green Gables.
The Power of Storytelling & Dreams: Anne’s past experiences and the stories she creates (Katie Maurice, Violetta) demonstrate how imagination helps her cope with loneliness and hardship. This chapter establishes the importance of storytelling as a coping mechanism.
The Importance of Kindness & Understanding: Marilla’s initial reserve slowly gives way to a grudging acceptance. The chapter hints at the potential for Marilla to learn from Anne’s unique perspective and offer her kindness.
The Nature of Prayer & Spirituality: Anne’s unconventional approach to prayer and her questioning nature foreshadow a more personal and imaginative understanding of faith.
Vocabulary List
| Word | Part of Speech | Definition |
|---------------|----------------|-------------------------------------------------|
| Immovably | Adverb | In a fixed or unyielding manner |
| Dilated | Verb | Become wider, larger, or more open |
| Imploring | Adjective | Begging earnestly or pleading |
| Shortcoming | Noun | A deficiency or failing |
| Catastrophe | Noun | An event causing great and sudden damage or suffering |
| Reprimand | Noun | A severe scolding or rebuke |
| Deferring | Verb | Putting off to a later time |
| Uphill work | Idiom | Difficult or challenging task |
| Disapprovingly | Adverb | Expressing disapproval |
| Astar | Adjective | Filled with stars; dreamy, lost in thought |
| Rapt | Adjective | Completely fascinated or absorbed |
| Chromo | Noun | A colored lithograph, often used as decoration |
| Reverent | Adjective | Deeply respectful |
| Irreverent | Adjective | Lacking respect for sacred things |
| Fickle-minded | Adjective | Changing frequently and unpredictably |
| Regal | Adjective | Majestic; befitting a king or queen |
| Mahogany | Noun | A reddish-brown hardwood |
| Brocade | Noun | Rich, ornate fabric woven with raised designs |
Quotes to Look For
These quotes highlight key moments and themes in the chapter. Pay attention to who is speaking, how they are speaking, and why.
“Anne was smart and obedient, willing to work and quick to learn; her most serious shortcoming seemed to be a tendency to fall into daydreams in the middle of a task and forget all about it until such time as she was sharply recalled to earth by a reprimand or a catastrophe.” – This quote establishes Anne’s character and the central conflict of her imagination versus practicality.
“Oh, please, Miss Cuthbert, won’t you tell me if you are going to send me away or not? I’ve tried to be patient all the morning, but I really feel that I cannot bear not knowing any longer. It’s a dreadful feeling. Please tell me.” – This quote demonstrates Anne's vulnerability and desperate need for belonging.
“I’m crying,” said Anne in a tone of bewilderment. “I can’t think why. I’m glad as glad can be. Oh, glad doesn’t seem the right word at all. I’m so happy.” – This quote showcases Anne's emotional intensity and her inability to express herself in conventional ways.
“I don’t believe in imagining things different from what they really are.” – Marilla's statement reveals her pragmatic worldview and sets up the contrast with Anne’s imaginative nature.
“Oh, Miss—Marilla, how much you miss!” – This quote is a poignant observation from Anne about Marilla’s lack of imagination and emotional openness.
“I think it’s just as well there wasn’t,” said Marilla drily. “I don’t approve of such goings-on. You seem to half believe your own imaginations.” – This quote shows Marilla’s disapproval of Anne's fantastical world and her desire for Anne to be grounded in reality.
“You’re only Anne of Green Gables,” she said earnestly, “and I see you, just as you are looking now, whenever I try to imagine I’m the Lady Cordelia. But it’s a million times nicer to be Anne of Green Gables than Anne of nowhere in particular, isn’t it?” – This quote is a turning point for Anne as she begins to accept and appreciate her own identity.