Anne of Green Gables: Chapter – The Story Club Is Formed - Study Guide
This study guide will help you understand the key themes, vocabulary, and important quotes from Chapter 8 of Anne of Green Gables.
Themes / Big Ideas
This chapter explores several important themes central to the novel:
The Power of Imagination: Anne’s vivid imagination is a defining characteristic. The chapter highlights both the joy and potential drawbacks of this trait, as well as her desire to share it with others.
Growing Up & Identity: Anne is acutely aware of her age and the changes she anticipates with each passing year (turning thirteen, being a teenager, putting her hair up). She is trying to define who she wants to be.
Social Dynamics & Conflict: The aftermath of the concert reveals the petty squabbles and rivalries within Avonlea society. This demonstrates how easily excitement can devolve into conflict, and the lasting impact of social pressures.
The Importance of Morality & Storytelling: Anne’s insistence on including morals in her stories reflects her developing sense of right and wrong, as well as the influence of figures like Mrs. Allan. The chapter questions what makes a "good" story and how stories can impact the world.
Idealization vs. Reality: Anne idealizes figures like Mrs. Allan and struggles to reconcile her romantic notions with the practicalities of life.
The Value of Criticism: Anne seeks validation for her stories, but learns that not all criticism is equal. She prefers Matthew’s encouragement to Marilla's practicality.
Vocabulary List
| Word | Part of Speech | Definition |
|------------------|----------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Humdrum | Adjective | Lacking excitement or variety; dull and monotonous. |
| Unprofitable | Adjective | Not producing a desired or useful result; fruitless. |
| Sensible | Adjective | Having good judgment or practical wisdom; reasonable. |
| Unromantic | Adjective | Not inspiring love or affection; lacking in romance. |
| Precedence | Noun | The fact or right of being earlier in order; priority. |
| Retort | Verb | To reply sharply or critically. |
| Frictions | Noun | Conflict or disagreement; tension. |
| Regularity | Noun | The state of being consistent or uniform. |
| Smoothness | Noun | The quality of being free from difficulties or obstacles. |
| Observant | Adjective | Quick to notice things; attentive. |
| Awed | Adjective | Filled with reverence or respect mixed with fear. |
| Novelty | Noun | The quality of being new, original, or unusual. |
| Compliment | Noun | An expression of praise or admiration. |
| Vanity | Noun | Excessive pride in oneself; conceit. |
| Alabaster | Adjective | White and translucent (like alabaster stone). |
| Dubiously | Adverb | With doubt or skepticism. |
| Peerless | Adjective | Having no equal; incomparable. |
| Turbulent | Adjective | Characterized by conflict, disorder, or confusion; stormy. |
| Retribution | Noun | Punishment inflicted on someone as vengeance for a wrong doing or injury. |
| Sacredly | Adverb | With great reverence; religiously. |
| Nom-de-plume | Noun | A pen name. |
| Sentimental | Adjective | Characterized by strong emotion; excessively emotional. |
| Pathetic | Adjective | Arousing pity or sadness. |
| Scrapes | Noun | Difficulties; trouble. |
| Besetting | Adjective | Constantly troubling or harassing; persistent. |
Quotes to Look For
“I’m positively certain, Diana, that life can never be quite the same again as it was in those olden days.” – This quote establishes Anne’s tendency to romanticize experiences and her difficulty adjusting back to everyday life.
“I don’t believe I’d really want to be a sensible person, because they are so unromantic.” – This reveals Anne’s core values and her preference for imagination over practicality.
“It’s extremely interesting,” Anne told Marilla. “Each girl has to read her story out loud and then we talk it over.” – This quote highlights the importance of community and shared creativity in Anne’s life.
“I insist upon that. All the good people are rewarded and all the bad ones are suitably punished.” – This demonstrates Anne’s developing moral compass and her belief in the power of storytelling to reinforce values.
“I read one of my stories to him and Mrs. Allan and they both agreed that the moral was excellent. Only they laughed in the wrong places.” – This shows Anne’s evolving understanding of criticism and her preference for emotional responses.
“I simply couldn’t sleep last night for ever so long. I just lay awake and imagined the concert over and over again.” – This quote illustrates Anne’s powerful imagination.
“I hope I shall be a little like Mrs. Allan when I grow up.” – This shows Anne’s desire for role models and her aspiration to be a good person.
“Learn to work first and talk afterwards.” – This quote represents Marilla’s pragmatic approach to life and her desire for Anne to be more grounded.
This study guide should help you analyze the key elements of this chapter and understand its significance within the broader context of Anne of Green Gables.