Anne of Green Gables - Chapter Study Guide: Where the Brook and River
Meet
This 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 focuses on several important themes that run throughout the novel:
Growth & Maturity: Anne is physically and emotionally changing. She's becoming more self-aware, quieter, and focused on her future. The chapter highlights the bittersweet nature of watching a child grow up.
The Importance of Freedom & Nature: The doctor's prescription for Anne to spend time outdoors underscores the healing power of nature and freedom. This is a recurring motif in the book, as Anne finds solace and inspiration in her surroundings.
Ambition & Education: Anne's desire to study and succeed at the Entrance exam demonstrates her ambition. The looming pressure of this exam introduces a new source of anxiety and highlights the importance placed on education in her society.
Self-Discovery & Identity: Anne is grappling with who she is and what she wants. She's questioning societal norms (like women being ministers) and developing her own opinions.
The Complexities of Relationships: The chapter explores the dynamics between Anne and Marilla, as well as her observations about other relationships (Mr. Allan & Mrs. Lynde). It shows how people can influence each other, both positively and negatively.
The Burden of Expectations: Anne feels pressure to succeed – from Miss Stacy, her community, and herself. This creates anxiety about the Entrance exams.
Vocabulary List
| Word | Part of Speech | Definition |
|---------------|----------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| gypsying | verb | Wandering about freely, like a gypsy; roaming. |
| reveling | verb | Taking great pleasure in |
| scruulously | adverb | In a very thorough, painstaking, or exact manner. |
| zest | noun | Great enthusiasm and energy |
| gobble | verb | Eat (something) quickly and eagerly. Also, to take or claim something rapidly.|
| regenerate | adjective | Spiritually renewed; reborn. |
| dubious | adjective | Hesitating or doubtful. |
| oversight | noun | Supervision; watchful care. |
| shirks | verb | Avoid or evade (a duty or responsibility). |
| perplex | verb | Cause someone to feel confused and uncertain. |
| unconcernedly | adverb | Without worry or anxiety. |
| verging | verb | Approaching; tending towards. |
| gird | verb | Prepare oneself for action; brace. |
| fray | noun | A noisy quarrel or fight; a struggle. |
| loomed | verb | Appear as a vague form; rise into view. |
| blazoned | verb | Display conspicuously or prominently. |
| tactful | adjective | Having or showing skill and sensitivity in dealing with others. |
| broadminded | adjective | Having or showing a wide range of tolerance and acceptance. |
| innovations | noun | Something new or a new idea, method, or device. |
| dubiously | adverb | With doubt; skeptically. |
| composure | noun | The state of being calm, self-controlled, and collected. |
| severest | adjective | Most strict or harsh. |
Quotes to Look For
“Keep that redheaded girl of yours in the open air all summer and don’t let her read books until she gets more spring into her step.” – This quote sets the stage for Anne’s “golden summer” and reveals Marilla's initial concern about her health.
“I feel just like studying with might and main,” she declared as she brought her books down from the attic. “Oh, you good old friends, I’m glad to see your honest faces once more—yes, even you, geometry.” – This quote demonstrates Anne’s renewed enthusiasm for learning and her unique relationship with her books.
“But I don’t see why. I think women would make splendid ministers.” – This quote highlights Anne's independent thinking and her questioning of societal norms.
“If you are I guess I am too, Anne, for Rachel often has that very effect on me.” – This quote reveals Marilla’s own frustrations with Mrs. Lynde and shows a shared understanding between her and Anne.
“There are so many things to be thought over and decided when you’re beginning to grow up. It keeps me busy all the time thinking them over and deciding what is right.” – This quote captures Anne’s growing sense of responsibility and the challenges of maturity.
“I shall have such a comfortable feeling deep down in my mind about that flounce.” – This quote illustrates Anne’s connection between material possessions and her emotional well-being.
“I don’t know—I don’t want to talk as much. It’s nicer to think dear, pretty thoughts and keep them in one’s heart, like treasures.” – This quote shows Anne's shift towards introspection and a more reserved personality.
“Miss Stacy says the short ones are much stronger and better.” – This quote demonstrates Anne’s willingness to learn from her teacher and adapt her writing style.
“Sometimes I wake up in the night and wonder what I’ll do if I don’t pass.” – This quote reveals the depth of Anne's anxiety about the Entrance exam and her fear of failure.
“It haunts me.” – This quote emphasizes the overwhelming pressure Anne feels regarding her upcoming exams.
This study guide should help you analyze and understand this important chapter in Anne of Green Gables. Remember to consider how these themes, vocabulary words, and quotes contribute to the overall meaning of the novel.