Anne of Green Gables: Chapter Study Guide - "Anne Is Invited Out to Tea"
This study guide will help you analyze the chapter “Anne is Invited Out to Tea” and understand its key themes, vocabulary, and important moments.
Themes / Big Ideas
This chapter deeply explores several central themes of Anne of Green Gables:
The Power of Imagination & Romanticism: Anne's intense emotional response to a simple invitation highlights her vivid imagination and tendency towards romanticizing events. The tea party isn’t just a social call; it's a momentous occasion filled with significance.
Belonging & Acceptance: The invitation represents a step towards Anne finding acceptance and belonging in Avonlea. Being called “Miss Shirley” is profoundly important to her, signifying recognition and respect.
The Importance of Kindness & Connection: Mrs. Allan’s kindness and genuine interest in Anne are pivotal. The chapter demonstrates how a simple act of connection can profoundly impact someone’s life, especially for someone who has felt unwanted.
Self-Perception & Self-Worth: Anne struggles with her self-image, believing she is inherently flawed ("full of original sin"). She seeks validation and fears inadequacy.
The Contrast Between Idealism & Reality: Anne's expectations often clash with reality. Marilla attempts to ground her, but the chapter shows the difficulty of stifling Anne’s spirit.
Finding Joy in Small Things: Despite her anxieties, Anne finds immense joy in the simple pleasures of life – a fine day, wind and stars, fireflies.
Vocabulary List
| Word | Part of Speech | Definition |
|---------------|----------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| kindred spirit | noun | a person with whom one shares a deep affinity or connection |
| sprite | noun | a lively, playful spirit; fairy |
| mellow | adjective | (of a sound) rich and pleasant; (of light) soft and diffused |
| trebled | verb | multiplied by three; increased threefold |
| tranquil | adjective | calm, peaceful, and quiet |
| disposition | noun | natural inclination or temperament; someone's general state of mind |
| alien | adjective | foreign, strange |
| waif | noun | a homeless or abandoned child |
| demure | adjective | modest and reserved; shy and unassuming |
| prim | adjective | excessively proper or formal |
| affliction | noun | a state of pain, suffering, or distress |
| exalt | verb | to raise to a higher rank or position; to glorify |
| pithy | adjective | concise and forcefully expressive |
| beatified | adjective | made blissfully happy; blessed |
| seraph | noun | an angelic being, especially one of the highest order |
| organdy | noun | a thin, sheer cotton fabric |
| passionate | adjective | having or expressing strong emotions |
| dunce | noun | a person slow at learning; foolish or stupid |
| innovation | noun | the introduction of something new; a new idea, method, or device |
| aspire | verb | to have a strong desire or ambition |
Quotes to Look For
These quotes highlight key themes and character development. Pay attention to the context of each quote!
“Excitement hung around Anne like a garment, shone in her eyes, kindled in every feature.” – Illustrates the intensity of Anne’s emotions.
“Do learn to take things calmly, child.” – Marilla’s attempt to temper Anne's enthusiasm.
“All ‘spirit and fire and dew,’ as she was, the pleasures and pains of life came to her with trebled intensity.” – A beautiful description of Anne’s nature.
“The downfall of some dear hope or plan plunged Anne into ‘deeps of affliction.’ The fulfillment thereof exalted her to dizzy realms of delight.” – Shows the extremes of Anne’s emotional range.
“The trouble with you, Anne, is that you’re thinking too much about yourself. You should just think of Mrs. Allan and what would be nicest and most agreeable to her.” – Marilla’s surprisingly insightful advice.
“I feel that I have not lived in vain and I shall always feel like that even if I should never be invited to tea at a manse again.” – Demonstrates Anne’s ability to find profound meaning in simple experiences.
“You know there are some people, like Matthew and Mrs. Allan that you can love right off without any trouble.” – Highlights the importance of connection and acceptance.
“Mrs. Allan told me she was a dunce at geometry too.” – A pivotal moment of connection and validation for Anne.
“Isn’t that a romantic name? Mrs. Lynde says they’ve never had a female teacher in Avonlea before and she thinks it is a dangerous innovation.” – Shows Anne’s continued idealism and the conservative nature of Avonlea.
This study guide should help you delve deeper into this charming chapter and appreciate the nuances of Anne’s character and the world around her.