Anne of Green Gables - Chapter Study Guide: Miss Stacy and Her Pupils Get
Up a Concert
This study guide will help you understand the key themes, vocabulary, and important moments in Chapter 5 of Anne of Green Gables.
Themes / Big Ideas
This chapter explores several important themes central to the novel:
The Power of Positive Influence: Miss Stacy’s impact on Anne and the students demonstrates how a supportive teacher can unlock potential and foster growth. This contrasts with any previous negative experiences the students may have had.
Imagination & Creativity: The concert is a direct result of Miss Stacy encouraging imagination and self-expression. Anne's enthusiasm highlights the importance of creative outlets.
The Importance of Belonging & Community: The school concert fosters a sense of community among the students and aims to benefit the entire Avonlea school.
Finding Joy in Learning: Miss Stacy makes learning enjoyable, even subjects Anne struggles with like geometry. This shows the value of finding passion in education.
Social Expectations & Conformity: Marilla’s disapproval of the concert reflects societal expectations about children's behavior and a skepticism towards activities perceived as frivolous.
The Value of Dreams & Aspirations: Anne's desire to be "remarkable" and her various career aspirations (nurse, missionary) show the importance of having goals.
The Contrast Between Practicality & Idealism: Marilla represents practicality, while Anne embodies idealism. The chapter highlights the tension between these two perspectives.
Vocabulary List
| Word | Part of Speech | Definition |
|---------------|----------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Mellow | Adjective | Pleasant and gentle; ripe and soft. |
| Amethyst | Noun | A violet or purple variety of quartz. |
| Pearl | Adjective | Having a pale, lustrous color; resembling a pearl. |
| Laudable | Adjective | Deserving praise or commendation; worthy of approval. |
| Contortions | Noun | Twisted or distorted shapes; unnatural postures. |
| Paled | Verb | Became less bright or intense; lost importance in comparison. |
| Groaning | Verb | Making a deep, mournful sound; complaining. |
| Tableau | Noun | A group of motionless figures representing a scene. |
| Draped | Verb | Covered or arranged (something) with cloth. |
| Vivacious | Adjective | Lively and animated; full of life. |
| Appreciative | Adjective | Expressing gratitude; having a high regard. |
| Conscientious | Adjective | Wishing to do what is right, especially regarding work or duty. |
| Stumbling block | Noun | Something that prevents progress; an obstacle. |
Quotes to Look For
“Life was certainly very interesting.”: This quote encapsulates Anne’s optimistic outlook and her ability to find joy in everyday experiences.
“Miss Stacy was a bright, sympathetic young woman with the happy gift of winning and holding the affections of her pupils and bringing out the best that was in them mentally and morally.”: This is a key description of Miss Stacy’s character and her influence.
“I love Miss Stacy with my whole heart, Marilla.”: Demonstrates the strong bond Anne forms with her teacher.
“We have to write compositions on our field afternoons and I write the best ones.”: Highlights Anne’s growing confidence in her writing abilities.
“Mustn’t it be splendid to be remarkable and have compositions written about you after you’re dead?”: Reveals Anne's desire for recognition and a lasting legacy.
“Fudge! There’s precious little patriotism in the thoughts of any of you. All you want is a good time.”: Shows Marilla’s skeptical and practical nature.
“All I hope is that you’ll behave yourself…You are simply good for nothing just now with your head stuffed full of dialogues and groans and tableaus.”: Illustrates Marilla’s frustration with Anne's preoccupation with the concert.
“Well now, I reckon it’s going to be a pretty good concert. And I expect you’ll do your part fine.”: Matthew's unwavering support of Anne.
“a little ‘appreciation’ sometimes does quite as much good as all the conscientious ‘bringing up’ in the world.”: Matthew's philosophy on raising Anne.
These quotes will help you analyze the characters’ motivations, understand the chapter's themes, and appreciate L.M. Montgomery’s writing style.