Anne of Green Gables: "Anne's Confession" - Study Guide
This study guide will help you understand the key themes, vocabulary, and important quotes from Chapter 8 of Anne of Green Gables, "Anne's Confession."
Themes / Big Ideas
This chapter deeply explores several core themes of the novel:
Trust & Forgiveness: The central conflict revolves around Marilla’s struggle to trust Anne and her eventual forgiveness. This highlights the importance of giving people a chance, even when evidence seems to suggest wrongdoing.
Imagination & Storytelling: Anne's elaborate "confession" demonstrates the power of her imagination and her tendency to embellish reality. This chapter shows both the charm and potential trouble this trait can cause.
The Nature of Truth & Lies: The chapter questions what constitutes a "lie." While Anne fabricates a story, her motivation stems from wanting to attend the picnic. The chapter explores the difference between malicious deceit and a story told to avoid punishment.
Misjudgment & Assumptions: Marilla quickly assumes Anne is guilty and builds a case against her based on limited information. This illustrates the danger of jumping to conclusions without considering all perspectives.
Responsibility & Accountability: Marilla ultimately recognizes her own role in driving Anne to lie and takes responsibility for her misjudgment. This is a key step in their developing relationship.
Vocabulary List
| Word | Part of Speech | Definition
|
|---------------|----------------|----------------------------------------------|
| Pertly | Adverb | In a rude, bold, or defiant manner. |
| Pincushion | Noun | A cushion stuck with pins; a small holder for needles and pins. |
| Thorough | Adjective | Complete with regard to detail; exhaustive. |
| Solemnly | Adverb | In a formal and serious manner. |
| Resolute | Adjective | Firmly determined; unwavering. |
| Compunction | Noun | A feeling of guilt or moral regret. |
| Repentance | Noun | Deep sorrow for wrongdoing; remorse.
|
| Tranquilly | Adverb | Calmly and peacefully. |
| Rigmarole | Noun | A long, confused, or complicated story. |
| Facets | Noun | A flat surface of a cut gem or crystal. |
| Beatification | Noun | The process of declaring someone a saint; extreme happiness. |
| Sublime | Adjective | Of such excellence, grandeur, or beauty as to inspire great admiration or awe. |
| Pro’bly | Adverb | (informal) Probably |
Quotes to Look For
These quotes highlight key moments and themes in the chapter:
“You had no business to do anything of the sort. It’s very wrong in a little girl to meddle.” – Marilla, establishing her strict rules and expectations. This sets the stage for the conflict.
“That’s one good thing about me. I never do the same naughty thing twice.” – Anne, demonstrating her self-awareness and attempt to justify her actions.
“I believe you are telling me a falsehood, Anne.” – Marilla, showing her unwavering conviction in Anne’s guilt.
“Anne Shirley,” said Marilla solemnly, “I’ve just found my brooch hanging to my black lace shawl. Now I want to know what that rigmarole you told me this morning meant.” – Marilla’s discovery and confrontation, revealing the truth.
“But I drove you to it. So if you’ll forgive me, Anne, I’ll forgive you and we’ll start square again.” – Marilla acknowledging her mistake and offering forgiveness.
“That child is hard to understand in some respects. But I believe she’ll turn out all right yet.” – Marilla's final reflection on Anne, showing her growing affection and hope.
“No house will ever be dull that she’s in.” – Marilla, recognizing the unique and vibrant quality Anne brings to Green Gables.