Anne of Green Gables: "A Queen's Girl" - Study Guide
This study guide will help you understand the key themes, vocabulary, and important quotes from Chapter 8 of Anne of Green Gables, "A Queen's Girl."
Themes / Big Ideas
This chapter is pivotal in Anne’s development and explores several key themes:
- Growth & Change vs. Core Identity: The chapter focuses on Anne’s transition from a “little girl” to a young woman preparing for higher education. Marilla fears Anne is losing her essence, but Anne insists her core self remains unchanged despite outward appearances. This highlights the novel’s exploration of how individuals evolve while retaining their fundamental character.
- The Power of Acceptance & Love: Matthew and Marilla’s quiet, consistent support allows Anne to flourish. Their willingness to provide for her education and even indulge her desires (the green dress) demonstrates the transformative power of unconditional love.
- Ambition & Dreams: Anne’s aspirations expand dramatically with the news of the Avery Scholarship. The chapter showcases her intellectual curiosity and determination to achieve her goals, illustrating the importance of having dreams and striving for something greater.
- Homesickness & Belonging: Anne experiences intense homesickness as she prepares to leave Green Gables. This explores the emotional challenges of leaving a familiar and beloved environment, even when pursuing exciting opportunities.
- The Importance of Community: While Anne is leaving Avonlea, the chapter shows how her connections to Diana, Jane, Ruby and even Josie remain important. The support (and sometimes rivalry) of her friends will be crucial as she navigates this new chapter.
Vocabulary List
| Word | Part of Speech | Definition |
|---|---|---|
| Ample | Adjective | Sufficient; enough; plentiful |
| Preposterous | Adjective | Completely unreasonable and illogical |
| Animated | Adjective | Full of life or excitement; lively |
| Vivid | Adjective | Producing strong, clear images in the mind; strikingly realistic |
| Queer | Adjective | Strange or odd |
| Outwardly | Adverb | In an external manner; on the surface |
| Provincial | Adjective | Relating to or characteristic of a province; unsophisticated |
| Agitatedly | Adverb | In an excited or restless manner |
| Providence | Noun | The protective care of God; divine foresight |
| Untenanted | Adjective | Not occupied or inhabited |
| Pessimistically | Adverb | In a way that expects the worst possible outcome |
| Materially | Adverb | To a significant extent |
| Kerwollowps | Noun | A strong feeling of excitement or infatuation (used humorously in the text) |
| Poky | Adjective | Small and cramped; dull |
| Goosey | Adjective | Silly or foolish |
| Pinnacle | Noun | The highest point; the culmination of something |
Quotes to Look For
These quotes highlight key moments and themes in the chapter. Pay attention to who is speaking and why.
- “I don’t believe you ought to be so kind to me—it’s making it harder every day for me to go away.” – Anne, expressing her gratitude but also her sadness about leaving. This shows her growing attachment to Marilla and Matthew.
- “I just couldn’t help thinking of the little girl you used to be, Anne. And I was wishing you could have stayed a little girl, even with all your queer ways.” – Marilla, revealing her emotional vulnerability and fear of losing the Anne she’s come to love.
- “I’m not a bit changed—not really. I’m only just pruned down and branched out. The real me—back here—is just the same.” – Anne, reassuring Marilla that her core identity remains intact despite her growth.
- “She’s been a blessing to us, and there never was a luckier mistake than what Mrs. Spencer made—if it was luck. I don’t believe it was any such thing. It was Providence, because the Almighty saw we needed her, I reckon.” – Matthew, expressing his deep affection for Anne and attributing their good fortune to a higher power.
- “I’ll win that scholarship if hard work can do it.” – Anne, demonstrating her newfound ambition and determination to succeed.
- “And there never seems to be any end to them—that’s the best of it. Just as soon as you attain to one ambition you see another one glittering higher up still.” – Anne, reflecting on the endless possibilities and excitement of pursuing her dreams.
This study guide should help you analyze Chapter 8 of Anne of Green Gables more deeply. Consider how these themes and ideas connect to the broader narrative of the novel.