Anne of Green Gables: Chapter Study Guide - "Anne’s Impressions of
Sunday-school"
This study guide will help you understand the key themes, vocabulary, and important quotes from Chapter 5 of Anne of Green Gables.
Themes / Big Ideas
This chapter deeply explores several core themes present throughout the novel:
The Power of Imagination: Anne’s ability to create worlds and find beauty even in disappointment (the dresses, the plainness of Sunday school) is central. Her imagination isn’t just escapism; it's how she copes with and finds joy in her circumstances.
Disappointment & Resilience: Anne experiences several disappointments – the dresses, the lack of ribbons on her hat, the other girls’ puffed sleeves. However, she doesn't succumb to despair; she adapts by imagining a better reality.
Nonconformity & Individuality: Anne’s refusal to simply accept things as they are, her desire for “puffed sleeves” even when it’s impractical, and her unique perspective on religion highlight her independent spirit.
The Importance of Beauty & Aesthetics: Anne craves beauty in all forms, from dresses to hats to the natural world. This desire isn’t superficial; it's tied to her emotional and spiritual well-being.
The Conflict Between Practicality & Emotion: Marilla represents practicality and a lack of sentimentality, while Anne embodies emotion and imagination. This contrast drives much of the conflict in the story.
Finding Meaning & Connection: Anne seeks connection with the world around her, even if it’s through imagination or finding beauty in nature. Her prayer of thanks for the lake demonstrates her spiritual inclination, even if unconventional.
Vocabulary List
| Word | Part of Speech | Definition |
|-------------|----------------|-------------------------------------------------|
| serviceable | adjective | useful; practical |
| snuffy | adjective | smelling faintly of snuff (powdered tobacco) |
| gingham | noun | a checkered or striped cotton fabric |
| sateen | noun | a glossy type of satin |
| bargain | noun | something purchased at a lower price than usual |
| frills | noun | decorative edges or embellishments |
| furbelows | noun | elaborate trimmings; ornamentation |
| skimpy | adjective | meager; scanty |
| wincey | noun | a coarse cotton fabric |
| gratefuller | adjective | more grateful |
| dudgeon | noun | resentment; indignation |
| disconsolately | adverb | sadly; with disappointment |
| muslin | noun | a plain woven cotton fabric |
| irreproachable | adjective | blameless; beyond reproach |
| arrayed | verb | dressed in |
| skimpiness | noun | insufficient quantity; meagerness |
| garlanded | verb | decorated with a wreath or chain of flowers |
| daunted | verb | intimidated; discouraged |
| quarterly | noun | a periodical publication issued four times a year |
| paraphrase | noun | a restatement of a text in other words |
| kindred spirit | noun | someone with similar feelings or beliefs |
| tragical | adjective | causing or characterized by tragedy |
| unuttered | adjective | not spoken |
Quotes to Look For & Analyze
“I’ll imagine that I like them,” said Anne soberly. – This quote demonstrates Anne's immediate coping mechanism: using her imagination to find positivity.
“But I’d rather look ridiculous when everybody else does than plain and sensible all by myself.” – This highlights Anne’s desire for individuality and her willingness to embrace nonconformity.
“I did hope there would be a white one with puffed sleeves… I didn’t suppose God would have time to bother about a little orphan girl’s dress.” – This quote reveals Anne's complex relationship with faith and her realistic (yet heartbreaking) assessment of her own importance.
“Fortunately I can imagine that one of them is of snow-white muslin with lovely lace frills and three-puffed sleeves.” – Again, the power of imagination is showcased as a way to overcome disappointment.
“Whatever other people might have thought of the result it satisfied Anne, and she tripped gaily down the road, holding her ruddy head with its decoration of pink and yellow very proudly.” – This emphasizes Anne’s self-acceptance and her ability to find joy in her own creations, regardless of societal expectations.
“They all had puffed sleeves. I tried to imagine mine were puffed, too, but I couldn’t.” – This is a pivotal moment of realization for Anne; she understands the difference between her internal world and external reality.
“‘Quick as the slaughtered squadrons fell / In Midian’s evil day.’ I don’t know what ‘squadrons’ means nor ‘Midian,’ either, but it sounds so tragical.” – This quote is humorous and endearing; Anne’s fascination with the sound of language, even without understanding its meaning, is characteristic.
“I didn’t think he was a bit interesting. The trouble with him seems to be that he hasn’t enough imagination.” – This quote reveals Anne's critical thinking skills and her high standards for what constitutes engaging communication.
“It almost seemed to her that those secret, unuttered, critical thoughts had suddenly taken visible and accusing shape and form in the person of this outspoken morsel of neglected humanity.” – This is a key insight into Marilla’s character and the subtle ways Anne challenges her worldview.
This chapter sets the stage for many of the conflicts and themes that will unfold throughout Anne of Green Gables. Pay attention to how Anne’s personality and imagination shape her experiences, and how she navigates the expectations of those around her.