Anne of Green Gables: "The Reaper Whose Name Is Death" - Study Guide
This study guide focuses on Chapter 17, "The Reaper Whose Name Is Death," and aims to help you understand the key themes, vocabulary, and important quotes within this pivotal chapter of Anne of Green Gables.
Themes / Big Ideas
- Grief and Loss: This chapter is centrally about the experience of grief, specifically the sudden loss of Matthew Cuthbert. It explores different ways people cope with sorrow – Marilla’s passionate outburst, Anne's initial numbness and delayed reaction, and the quiet acceptance of others.
- The Value of Quiet Strength: Matthew is portrayed as a man of few words but deep kindness. His death highlights the profound impact quiet, unassuming individuals can have on others’ lives. The chapter emphasizes that worth isn't always loud or demonstrative.
- The Importance of Connection & Shared Sorrow: The chapter shows how shared grief can strengthen bonds. Marilla and Anne find solace in their mutual loss, realizing the depth of their connection. The inability for Diana to truly understand Anne’s pain underscores this idea.
- Resilience and the Continuation of Life: Despite the immense sadness, life continues at Green Gables. Work is done, duties are fulfilled, and beauty persists in the natural world. This illustrates a theme of resilience – finding ways to live with loss and appreciate life even in the face of sorrow.
- Unspoken Love & Regret: Marilla’s revelation about John Blythe introduces the theme of unspoken love and regret. It suggests that missed opportunities and pride can lead to lifelong sorrow, highlighting the importance of expressing feelings.
- Finding Peace in Remembrance: Anne's act of planting a rosebush on Matthew’s grave symbolizes finding peace through remembrance and honoring the deceased.
Vocabulary List
| Word | Part of Speech | Definition |
|---|---|---|
| Jerky | Adjective | Abrupt, sudden, and not smooth. |
| Distractedly | Adverb | With attention divided; absentmindedly. |
| Pallid | Adjective | Pale, typically because of poor health. |
| Instantaneous | Adjective | Happening immediately; occurring without delay. |
| Tranquil | Adjective | Calm, peaceful, and quiet. |
| Placid | Adjective | Gently and peacefully calm. |
| Anguished | Adjective | Experiencing or causing great mental or physical pain. |
| Vigil | Noun | A period of keeping awake in order to pray, remember, or honor someone. |
| Resent | Verb | Feel bitterness or indignation at (a circumstance, action, or person). |
| Benediction | Noun | A blessing. |
| Convolutions | Noun | A complicated or intricate arrangement. |
| Absently | Adverb | In a dreamy way; with the mind not focused on what is happening. |
| Sulky | Adjective | Bad-tempered and resentful; morose. |
| Independent | Adjective | Not depending on another for livelihood or subsistence. |
Quotes to Look For
- “Matthew—what is the matter? Matthew, are you sick?” – This opening immediately establishes a sense of urgency and foreshadows tragedy.
- “The secret of the shock was discovered to be in the paper Matthew had held and which Martin had brought from the office that morning. It contained an account of the failure of the Abbey Bank.” – Reveals the cause of Matthew’s death and highlights his quiet financial worry.
- “When the calm night came softly down over Green Gables the old house was hushed and tranquil. In the parlor lay Matthew Cuthbert in his coffin, his long gray hair framing his placid face on which there was a little kindly smile as if he but slept, dreaming pleasant dreams.” – This passage emphasizes the peacefulness of Matthew’s passing and the sense of loss.
- “I haven’t been alone one minute since it happened—and I want to be. I want to be quite silent and quiet and try to realize it. I can’t realize it.” – Illustrates Anne's unique way of processing grief - a need for solitude and quiet contemplation.
- “The tears don’t hurt me like that ache did.” – Shows Anne's delayed emotional response and the intensity of her initial pain.
- “We’ve got each other, Anne. I don’t know what I’d do if you weren’t here—if you’d never come.” – Highlights the profound bond between Marilla and Anne, forged through shared experience and now strengthened by loss.
- “I love you as dear as if you were my own flesh and blood and you’ve been my joy and comfort ever since you came to Green Gables.” – Marilla finally expresses her deep affection for Anne.
- “It seems like disloyalty to Matthew, somehow, to find pleasure in these things now that he has gone.” – Captures Anne’s struggle with reconciling grief and the natural joy of life.
- “He is just away now; and he likes to know it just the same.” – Mrs. Allan offers a comforting perspective on grief, suggesting Matthew would want Anne to find happiness.
- “You never can tell about people from their outsides.” – A key insight into Marilla’s character and the idea that everyone has a hidden depth.
- “I always felt—rather sorry. I’ve always kind of wished I’d forgiven him when I had the chance.” – Reveals Marilla's regret over her past relationship with John Blythe.
This study guide should help you analyze the complexities of this chapter and understand its significance within the broader narrative of Anne of Green Gables. Remember to consider how these themes and ideas connect to other parts of the book.