Anne of Green Gables - Chapter Study Guide: "An Unfortunate Lily Maid"
This guide will help you understand the key elements of Chapter 8, "An Unfortunate Lily Maid," focusing on themes, vocabulary, and important quotes.
Themes / Big Ideas
The Power of Imagination & Escapism: Anne’s desire to play Elaine highlights her strong imagination and longing for a more romantic past. The chapter explores the tension between this escapism and the realities of her life in Avonlea.
Social Expectations & Conformity: Anne struggles with fitting into societal expectations, particularly regarding her appearance. Her red hair is a source of insecurity and impacts her ability to participate in the play.
Friendship & Acceptance: The chapter showcases the evolving dynamics of Anne’s friendships with Diana, Ruby, and Jane. Their support (and sometimes lack thereof) is crucial to Anne’s experience.
Growth Through Mistakes: Anne frames her mishaps as learning experiences, demonstrating a resilient attitude and belief in self-improvement. She attempts to rationalize her errors as steps toward maturity.
The Importance of Self-Reliance & Resourcefulness: Anne’s quick thinking and prayer during the flat incident demonstrate her ability to handle a dangerous situation independently.
Forgiveness & Reconciliation: The ongoing conflict with Gilbert Blythe is a central theme. This chapter shows the difficulty of letting go of past hurts and the potential for reconciliation.
Vocabulary List
| Word | Part of Speech | Definition |
|---------------|----------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Romantic | Adjective | Idealizing or expressing love and adventure; characterized by passion. |
| Reluctantly | Adverb | In an unwilling or hesitant manner |
| Artistic | Adjective | Having or revealing creative skill and imagination. |
| Fitness | Noun | The quality of being suitable for a particular purpose or activity. |
| Consoled | Verb | Comfort (someone) at a time of grief or disappointment. |
| Fascinating | Adjective | Extremely interesting or attractive. |
| Prescribed | Verb | Officially recommend or order (something). |
| Analyzed | Verb | Examine methodically and in detail to explain or interpret. |
| Parsed | Verb | Analyze (a sentence) grammatically. |
| Devoured | Verb | Eat hungrily or quickly; be engrossed in. |
| Regret | Noun | A feeling of sadness or disappointment over something that has happened. |
| Enthusiastically | Adverb | With great excitement and eagerness |
| Pall | Verb | Cover or surround with a dark cloud of sadness. |
| Samite | Noun | A rich, heavy silk fabric |
| Procured | Verb | Obtain (something), especially with care or effort. |
| Flickering | Adjective | Burning or shining unsteadily |
| Idlewild | Noun | A place of peaceful enjoyment; a retreat. |
| Ruthlessly | Adverb | Without pity or compassion; cruelly. |
| Superintendant | Noun | A person in charge of something, such as a school. |
| Precipitous | Adjective | Very steep |
| Providential | Adjective | Occurring at the right time; fortunate or advantageous. |
| Precarious | Adjective | Not secure or stable |
| Detaining | Adjective | Restraining or holding back. |
| Skeptically | Adverb | Having doubts about something; questioning. |
| Wonted | Adjective | Usual or customary |
Quotes to Look For
“Of course you must be Elaine, Anne,” said Diana. – Establishes the central activity and Anne’s initial role.
“But it’s ridiculous to have a red-haired Elaine,” mourned Anne. – Reveals Anne's insecurity about her appearance and the societal standards of beauty.
“I’ve learned a new and valuable lesson today…Each mistake has helped to cure me of some great shortcoming.” – Demonstrates Anne’s coping mechanism and belief in self-improvement.
“Don’t give up all your romance, Anne,” he whispered shyly, “a little of it is a good thing—not too much, of course—but keep a little of it, Anne, keep a little of it.” – Matthew’s gentle encouragement highlights the importance of maintaining imagination and hope.
“I was horribly frightened,” she told Mrs. Allan the next day… “I just said, ‘Dear God, please take the flat close to a pile and I’ll do the rest,’ over and over again.” – Shows Anne's resourcefulness, prayerful nature, and acceptance of responsibility.
“No,” she said coldly, “I shall never be friends with you, Gilbert Blythe; and I don’t want to be!” – Highlights the unresolved conflict with Gilbert and Anne's stubborn pride.
“I feel quite sure that you will soon see a great improvement in me in this respect, Marilla.” – Anne's optimistic self-assessment despite her recent mishap.
This study guide should help you analyze the key elements of this chapter and understand its significance within the broader narrative of Anne of Green Gables.