Anne of Green Gables: "The Pass List Is Out" - Study Guide
This study guide will help you understand the key themes, vocabulary, and important quotes from Chapter 14 of Anne of Green Gables, "The Pass List Is Out."
Themes / Big Ideas
This chapter centers around several key themes present throughout the novel:
The Importance of Imagination & Dreams: Anne's anxieties about the exams are interwoven with her vivid imagination. She envisions both success and failure, highlighting how powerfully she dreams about her future.
The Power of Encouragement & Belief: Matthew's unwavering belief in Anne is a central source of her confidence. This chapter demonstrates how crucial supportive relationships are to achieving goals.
Friendship & Community: The strong bonds between Anne, Diana, Jane, and Ruby are evident in their shared anxieties and celebrations. The chapter showcases the importance of community support.
Ambition & Self-Improvement: Anne's desire to "pass high" isn’t just about academic achievement; it’s about proving herself and fulfilling her potential. This ambition is tempered by a desire to make Matthew proud.
Dealing with Anxiety & Fear: Anne's nervousness surrounding the exams is relatable and explores how individuals cope with pressure. The chapter shows both healthy (Miss Stacy’s advice) and unhealthy (Josie Pye's cramming) coping mechanisms.
Social Expectations & Competition: The pressure to succeed, the rivalry with Gilbert Blythe, and Josie Pye’s boasting all reflect societal expectations around education and achievement.
Vocabulary List
| Word | Part of Speech | Definition |
|---------------|----------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Sober | Adjective | Serious, thoughtful, and restrained in manner. |
| Dismally | Adverb | In a gloomy or depressing way. |
| Testimony | Noun | Evidence or proof of something. |
| Vainly | Adverb | Without success; futilely. |
| Imploringly | Adverb | In a pleading or begging manner. |
| Superstitious | Adjective | Believing in supernatural causes, especially relating to luck or fate. |
| Alarmingly | Adverb | In a way that causes worry or fear. |
| Cram | Verb | To study intensively in a short period of time. |
| Apt | Adjective | Likely; having a natural tendency to do something. |
| Prissy | Adjective | Excessively refined or fussy; snobbish. |
| Hysterics | Noun | Uncontrollable emotion, often involving violent crying or laughing. |
| Sibilant | Adjective | Having a hissing sound; whispering. |
| Dazzled | Adjective | Overwhelmed with brilliance or splendor. |
| Presumptuous | Adjective | Failing to observe the limits of what is appropriate or permitted. |
| Reverent | Adjective | Feeling or showing deep respect and admiration. |
| Aspiration | Noun | A strong desire or ambition. |
Quotes to Look For
These quotes highlight key moments and themes in the chapter. Pay attention to who is saying them and why.
“You oughtn’t to feel half as badly as I do,” said Anne, hunting vainly for a dry spot on her handkerchief. “You’ll be back again next winter, but I suppose I’ve left the dear old school forever—if I have good luck, that is.” – Shows Anne’s anxieties about leaving school and her uncertain future.
“If you can’t be cheerful, be as cheerful as you can.” – Mrs. Lynde's pragmatic advice; a recurring theme of making the best of things.
“When I think of the real thing you can’t imagine what a horrid cold fluttery feeling comes round my heart.” – Illustrates Anne's intense anxiety about the exams.
“I’d rather not pass at all than not come out pretty well up on the list,” flashed Anne, by which she meant—and Diana knew she meant—that success would be incomplete and bitter if she did not come out ahead of Gilbert Blythe. – Reveals Anne’s competitive spirit and her desire to surpass Gilbert.
“I want to ‘pass high’ for the sake of Matthew and Marilla—especially Matthew.” – Highlights Anne's motivation beyond personal ambition; her desire to make those who believe in her proud.
“Well now, I always said it,” said Matthew, gazing at the pass list delightedly. “I knew you could beat them all easy.” – Demonstrates Matthew’s unwavering faith in Anne.
“I’m just dazzled inside,” said Anne. – Captures the overwhelming joy and relief of achieving her goal.
“There was in it thankfulness for the past and reverent petition for the future.” – Shows Anne’s gratitude and hopeful outlook.
This study guide should help you analyze the chapter more deeply and understand its significance within the larger context of Anne of Green Gables.