Anne of Green Gables: Chapter – “Matthew Insists on Puffed Sleeves” Study
Guide
This study guide will help you understand the key themes, vocabulary, and important quotes from Chapter 8 of Anne of Green Gables, “Matthew Insists on Puffed Sleeves.”
Themes / Big Ideas
The Importance of Belonging & Acceptance: Matthew’s concern over Anne's appearance highlights his growing desire for her to fit in and feel accepted. He believes a pretty dress will help with this, showing his burgeoning paternal affection.
The Power of Imagination & Self-Expression: Anne’s vibrant personality and enthusiasm contrast with the plainness Marilla imposes on her. The dress represents a small freedom for Anne to express herself.
Miscommunication & Unspoken Affection: Matthew struggles to articulate his feelings and concerns, leading to humorous misunderstandings. His actions (buying the dress) speak louder than words.
The Subjectivity of Beauty & Value: What Matthew perceives as a difference in Anne, and what Marilla dismisses, reveals differing perspectives on what is important. Beauty isn’t just physical; it's about individuality and spirit.
The Role of Social Expectations: Marilla’s insistence on plain clothing reflects societal norms and her practical nature. The chapter explores the tension between practicality and allowing a child to experience joy.
Vocabulary List
| Word | Part of Speech | Definition |
|---------------|----------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| bevy | noun | a group or collection of things |
| trooping | verb | moving in a crowd; going in procession |
| bashfully | adverb | shyly, timidly |
| aforesaid | adjective | mentioned or stated before |
| recourse | noun | a source of help in dealing with problems |
| inscrutable | adjective | mysterious or impossible to understand |
| trifling | adjective | unimportant; trivial |
| cogitation | noun | the action of thinking deeply about something |
| ordeal | noun | a painful or horrific experience |
| contrive | verb | to devise an ingenious and often elaborate plan or scheme |
| ingratiatingly | adverb | in a way intended to gain favor or approval |
| decrepit | adjective | worn out or ruined because of age or neglect |
| deprecatory | adjective | expressing disapproval |
| swathings | noun | wrappings or coverings |
| rapturously | adverb | feeling or expressing great pleasure or enthusiasm |
| commonplace | adjective | ordinary; not special |
| providential | adjective | occurring at the proper time; fortunate or advantageous |
| encored | verb | to perform an additional piece in response to applause |
| throes | noun | violent contractions or struggles |
Quotes to Look For
“Matthew was haunted by this question long after the girls had gone…”: This quote demonstrates Matthew’s internal struggle and his growing emotional connection to Anne.
“Anne was not dressed like the other girls!”: This simple statement is the catalyst for Matthew’s entire quest and reveals his concern.
“A nice new dress would be the very thing for a present.”: This quote shows Matthew’s practical attempt to show his affection.
“Miss Harris had heard Matthew Cuthbert called odd. She now concluded that he was entirely crazy.”: This highlights the humor of Matthew’s social awkwardness.
“But flesh and blood don’t come under the head of arithmetic and that’s where Marilla Cuthbert makes her mistake.”: Mrs. Lynde's observation is a key insight into the difference between Marilla’s practical approach and understanding children.
“Matthew, it’s perfectly exquisite.”: Anne's reaction to the dress reveals her deep appreciation for small kindnesses and beauty.
“I knew that I must live up to those sleeves, Diana.”: This quote shows Anne’s imagination and her desire to be worthy of the gift.
“We must see what we can do for her some of these days, Marilla. I guess she’ll need something more than Avonlea school by and by.”: This quote foreshadows future possibilities for Anne.
This study guide should help you analyze the chapter more deeply and understand its significance within the larger narrative of Anne of Green Gables.