Anne of Green Gables: "A Concert, a Catastrophe, and a 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, "A Concert, a Catastrophe, and a Confession."
Themes / Big Ideas
This chapter explores several central themes of the novel:
The Power of Imagination: Anne's ability to create a world within her mind helps her cope with disappointment and find joy even in difficult situations. She imagines the concert experience vividly, making it more appealing when she is denied permission to go.
The Importance of Understanding & Connection: Anne craves understanding and acceptance, particularly from Marilla. She seeks validation for her feelings and desires. Matthew's quiet support is crucial in getting Marilla to see things from Anne’s perspective.
Social Acceptance & Belonging: Anne desires to participate in community events and feel like she belongs. The concert represents this desire, and her disappointment highlights her longing for connection with peers.
Impulsivity vs. Consideration: Anne's tendency to act on impulse often leads to trouble, but her genuine heart and willingness to confess usually win people over. The chapter highlights the need for balance between spontaneity and thoughtfulness.
The Value of Kindness & Forgiveness: Anne's sincere apology to Aunt Josephine demonstrates her empathy and willingness to take responsibility for her actions. This ultimately leads to forgiveness and a new friendship.
The Search for "Kindred Spirits": Anne's ongoing quest to find people who understand her is central. The chapter shows a budding connection with Miss Barry, suggesting that kindred spirits can be found in unexpected places.
Vocabulary List
| Word | Part of Speech | Definition
|
|---------------|----------------|----------------------------------------------|
| Traipsing | Verb | Walking or moving in a light, carefree way |
| Clickety-clack | Interjection | A rapid succession of clicking sounds |
| Stipulated | Adjective | Specified or required as a condition |
| Mortal | Adjective | Relating to human beings, subject to death |
| Gadding | Verb | Wandering about in search of pleasure |
| Unsettle | Verb | Disturb the composure or stability of
|
| Pathetic | Adjective | Arousing pity, especially through sorrow
|
| Repentantly | Adverb | Showing or feeling remorse |
| Crescendo | Noun | A gradual increase in loudness |
| Elegant | Adjective | Graceful and stylish |
| Furtive | Adjective | Attempting to conceal something |
| Arduous | Adjective | Requiring great effort or exertion |
| Amused | Verb | Finding something funny or entertaining |
| Kindred | Adjective | Of similar nature; closely related |
Quotes to Look For
These quotes illustrate key moments and themes in the chapter:
“I’ll warrant you it was,” said Marilla emphatically. “And the next thing you’ll be setting fire to the curtains with your signaling nonsense.” – This shows Marilla's initial disapproval of Anne’s imaginative play and her concern for practicality.
“Oh, Marilla, what do you think? You know tomorrow is Diana’s birthday. Well, her mother told her she could ask me to go home with her from school and stay all night with her. And her cousins are coming over from Newbridge in a big pung sleigh to go to the Debating Club concert at the hall tomorrow night. And they are going to take Diana and me to the concert—if you’ll let me go, that is. You will, won’t you, Marilla? Oh, I feel so excited.” – This quote demonstrates Anne's enthusiasm and her ability to build up excitement around a desired event.
“You heard what I said, Anne, didn’t you? Take off your boots now and go to bed. It’s past eight.” – This highlights Marilla's firm nature and her unwillingness to be swayed by Anne’s pleas.
“Well now, I think you ought to let Anne go.” – Matthew’s simple but powerful statement is pivotal in changing Marilla's mind.
“I’m sure the Debating Club is a most respectable affair,” pleaded Anne. – This shows Anne's attempt to reason with Marilla and justify her desire.
“I’m such an unlucky girl,” mourned Anne. “I’m always getting into scrapes myself and getting my best friends—people I’d shed my heart’s blood for—into them too. Can you tell me why it is so, Mrs. Lynde?” – This reveals Anne’s self-awareness and her tendency to feel responsible for the misfortunes of others.
“Kindred spirits are not so scarce as I used to think. It’s splendid to find out there are so many of them in the world.” – This quote encapsulates Anne’s optimistic outlook and her belief in finding connection with others.
“She amuses me, and at my time of life an amusing person is a rarity.” – Miss Barry’s comment reveals her appreciation for Anne's unique personality.
This study guide should help you analyze the chapter more deeply and understand its significance within the larger context of Anne of Green Gables.