Anne of Green Gables: Chapter Study Guide - "The Queen’s Class Is
Organized"
This guide will help you understand the key themes, vocabulary, and important quotes from Chapter 8 of Anne of Green Gables.
Themes / Big Ideas
The Power of Imagination: This chapter highlights Anne’s rich inner world and how she uses imagination to cope with, or escape from, the realities of life. It demonstrates its importance as a source of joy and resilience.
Unconditional Love & Affection: Marilla’s love for Anne is a central theme. The chapter explores the quiet, unspoken ways in which Marilla shows her affection and how it influences her actions. It also touches on the anxieties that can accompany deep emotional connection.
The Importance of Education & Ambition: The formation of the Queen’s Class signifies a turning point for Anne, offering her a concrete goal and a path towards independence. The chapter emphasizes the value placed on education as a means of self-improvement and societal contribution.
Social Expectations & Female Roles: The discussion surrounding the girls’ futures – teaching versus marriage – reflects societal expectations of women in that era. The chapter explores the different paths available to them and the choices they face.
Rivalry & Competition: The introduction of Gilbert Blythe as a serious academic competitor introduces the theme of rivalry. This competition is not simply about grades, but also about recognition and self-worth.
The Development of Character: Miss Stacy’s emphasis on forming good habits and ideals during adolescence underscores the importance of character development. The chapter suggests that this period is crucial for shaping one’s future life.
Vocabulary List
| Word | Part of Speech | Definition |
|---------------|----------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Turk-fashion | Adverb | Curled up in a position resembling the way Turks traditionally sit. |
| distilled | Verb | Extracted the essential meaning or quality from something. |
| mingling | Noun | A mixing together; a blending. |
| undemonstrativeness | Noun | The quality of not showing emotion or affection openly. |
| penance | Noun | A means of atonement for sin or wrongdoing. |
| reproachfully | Adverb | In a manner expressing disapproval or regret. |
| edgewise | Adverb | Sideways; indirectly (often used in the phrase "not get a word in edgewise"). |
| blighted | Adjective | Severely damaged or ruined; withered. |
| solemn | Adjective | Serious, dignified, and grave. |
| entailing | Verb | Involving as a necessary consequence. |
| reproachful | Adjective | Expressing disapproval or disappointment. |
| reveling | Verb | Taking great pleasure in something. |
| spasmodic | Adjective | Occurring or done in brief, irregular bursts. |
| oblivion | Noun | The state of being unaware or unconscious of what is happening. |
| ciphering | Verb | To figure out or understand something; to solve a problem. |
| odder | Adjective | Stranger or more unusual than usual |
| unexpecteder | Adjective | More unexpected than expected. (Non-standard form, reflects Mrs. Lynde's speech)|
| showy | Adjective | Attractively but gaudily bright or colorful. |
| overdone | Adjective | Excessive; exaggerated. |
Quotes to Look For
“Marilla looked at her with a tenderness that would never have been suffered to reveal itself in any clearer light than that soft mingling of fireshine and shadow.” – This quote illustrates the subtle, hidden nature of Marilla’s affection for Anne.
“She had learned to love this slim, gray-eyed girl with an affection all the deeper and stronger from its very undemonstrativeness.” – This quote directly states Marilla’s deep love for Anne and the way it manifests.
“Miss Stacy took all us girls who are in our teens down to the brook last Wednesday, and talked to us about it. She said we couldn’t be too careful what habits we formed and what ideals we acquired in our teens, because by the time we were twenty our characters would be developed and the foundation laid for our whole future life.” – This quote highlights Miss Stacy’s influence and the importance of character development.
“I think it was a little gray fairy with a rainbow scarf that came tiptoeing along the last moonlight night and did it.” – This quote exemplifies Anne’s vivid imagination.
“It was in vain that she told herself with a toss of her head that she did not care. Deep down in her wayward, feminine little heart she knew that she did care…” – This quote reveals Anne’s internal conflict regarding Gilbert Blythe.
“She realized that she had forgiven and forgotten without knowing it.” – This quote marks a turning point in Anne’s feelings towards Gilbert.
“Ruby Gillis’s looks are real showy. But somehow—I don’t know how it is but when Anne and them are together, though she ain’t half as handsome, she makes them look kind of common and overdone—something like them white June lilies she calls narcissus alongside of the big, red peonies, that’s what.” – This quote from Mrs. Lynde demonstrates Anne's unique and captivating presence.
This study guide should help you analyze the key elements of this chapter and understand its significance within the larger narrative of Anne of Green Gables.