Anne of Green Gables: Chapter Study Guide - "A New Departure in Flavorings"
This study guide will help you understand the key themes, vocabulary, and important quotes from Chapter 8 of Anne of Green Gables, "A New Departure in Flavorings."
Themes / Big Ideas
Social Conformity vs. Individuality: The chapter highlights the pressure to conform in a small community like Avonlea, particularly regarding expectations of behavior and appearances. Anne often struggles with this, as seen in her reactions to others' tears over Mr. Phillips’ departure and her opinions on the new minister’s wife.
The Power of Imagination & Misinterpretation: Anne's vivid imagination leads to both joy and trouble. Her tendency to embellish stories and misinterpret situations (like the vanilla/liniment mix-up) is a recurring theme.
Empathy & Understanding: Despite her flaws, Anne demonstrates empathy for others (even those she dislikes) and a desire to understand their feelings. Her remorse over teasing Mr. Phillips is genuine.
The Importance of Kindness & Forgiveness: The chapter emphasizes the importance of extending kindness and forgiveness, even when mistakes are made. Mrs. Allan’s reaction to the cake is a prime example of this.
The Role of Community & Gossip: Avonlea functions as a tight-knit community where news (and gossip) spreads quickly. Mrs. Lynde serves as the central source of information and judgment.
Finding Your Place & Belonging: Anne continues to seek connection and acceptance, finding a kindred spirit in Mrs. Allan.
Vocabulary List
| Word | Part of Speech | Definition |
|---------------|----------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| plaintively | adverb | expressing sorrow or melancholy; mournful |
| presentiment | noun | a strong feeling that something is about to happen, especially something bad |
| actuated | verb | motivated or driven by |
| avowed | adjective | openly declared; professed |
| dissipation | noun | indulgence in reckless enjoyment or pleasure |
| summing up | noun | a concise statement of the main points |
| remorseful | adjective | feeling or expressing regret or guilt |
| affecting | adjective | causing emotion; touching |
| uncharitable | adjective | lacking kindness or tolerance |
| dyspeptic | adjective | suffering from indigestion; irritable |
| flummery | noun | something showy and insubstantial; nonsense |
| eclipted | verb | overshadowed or outshone |
| inveigled | verb | persuade (someone) to do something by means of deception |
| kindred spirit | noun | a person with whom one shares a deep affinity |
| providential | adjective | occurring at the right time; fortunate or advantageous |
Quotes to Look For
“DEAR me, there is nothing but meetings and partings in this world, as Mrs. Lynde says,” – This quote sets the tone for the chapter and introduces a recurring theme of change and loss.
“I don’t think I was crying because I was really so very fond of him,” reflected Anne. “I just cried because all the others did.” – This reveals Anne’s tendency to be influenced by others' emotions and her struggle with genuine vs. performative feelings.
“It’s very naughty of you to speak so about Mr. Bell,” said Marilla severely. “Mr. Bell is a real good man.” – This highlights the importance of respecting others, even if they don't meet Anne’s standards.
“Mrs. Allan is perfectly lovely,” she announced one Sunday afternoon. “She’s taken our class and she’s a splendid teacher.” – This demonstrates Anne's quick connection with kindred spirits.
“I never went through such an experience before.” – This quote shows Anne’s naivety and her excitement about new experiences.
“Oh, Marilla, isn’t it nice to think that tomorrow is a new day with no mistakes in it yet?” – This embodies Anne’s optimistic outlook and her belief in fresh starts.
“I never make the same mistake twice.” – This is a key quote that reveals Anne’s self-awareness and her determination to learn from her errors.
“Well, you’d better go and give that cake to the pigs,” said Marilla. “It isn’t fit for any human to eat, not even Jerry Boute.” – This is a humorous line that underscores the severity of Anne’s mistake.
This study guide should help you analyze and understand this important chapter in Anne of Green Gables. Remember to consider how these themes, vocabulary words, and quotes contribute to the overall story and character development.