Anne of Green Gables - Chapter Study Guide: The Bend in the Road
This study guide focuses on key elements of Chapter 12, “The Bend in the Road,” to help you understand its significance within the larger narrative of Anne of Green Gables.
Themes / Big Ideas
This chapter is pivotal in shifting the trajectory of Anne’s life and solidifying core themes. Here are some key ideas to consider:
- Sacrifice & Selflessness: Anne’s decision to forgo Redmond College is a major act of self-sacrifice for Marilla. The chapter explores the complexities of choosing duty over personal ambition.
- The Importance of Home & Belonging: Green Gables isn’t just a place; it represents security, love, and identity for both Anne and Marilla. The threat of losing it drives much of the conflict.
- Adaptability & Finding Joy in Circumstance: Anne demonstrates remarkable resilience and a positive outlook despite facing hardship. She finds new ways to pursue her dreams even when the original path is blocked.
- The Power of Friendship: Gilbert’s gesture highlights the importance of supportive relationships and the willingness to prioritize another's happiness.
- Acceptance of Fate & Embracing Change: The “bend in the road” metaphor represents life’s unexpected turns. Anne learns to accept change and find beauty even in uncertainty.
- Duty & Responsibility: Marilla's failing eyesight forces both her and Anne to confront their responsibilities. The chapter explores how duty can be a source of strength, even in difficult times.
Vocabulary List
| Word | Part of Speech | Definition |
|---|---|---|
| Inert | Adjective | Lacking the ability or strength to move. |
| Dejected | Adjective | Sad and depressed; low in spirits. |
| Oculist | Noun | An eye doctor. |
| Strains | Verb | To put a great deal of effort on something, causing it to become weakened. |
| Sympathize | Verb | To feel or express pity or sorrow for someone. |
| Limply | Adverb | In a weak, drooping manner. |
| Resolutely | Adverb | In a determined and firm way. |
| Board | Verb | To live in another's home and receive meals. |
| Mellow | Adjective | Relaxed, gentle, and pleasant. |
| Jubilantly | Adverb | In a feeling or expression of great happiness and triumph. |
| Thwarted | Verb | Prevented from being achieved or fulfilled. |
| Congenial | Adjective | Pleasant and agreeable; friendly. |
| Horizon | Noun | The apparent line that separates earth from sky. |
Quotes to Look For (and Consider)
- “Marilla, don’t think of it. You know he has given you hope.” – This quote demonstrates Anne's optimistic nature and her attempt to comfort Marilla. How does this contrast with Marilla’s more realistic outlook?
- “I don’t call it much hope,” said Marilla bitterly. “What am I to live for if I can’t read or sew or do anything like that?” – This quote reveals Marilla's deep connection to her hobbies and the fear of losing her independence.
- “I have looked my duty courageously in the face and found it a friend—as duty ever is when we meet it frankly.” – This quote encapsulates Anne’s acceptance of her responsibility to care for Marilla. What does this suggest about her character?
- “The beauty of it all thrilled Anne’s heart, and she gratefully opened the gates of her soul to it.” – This quote highlights Anne’s ability to find joy in the natural world, even amidst hardship.
- “There was a freshness in the air as of a wind that had blown over honey-sweet fields of clover.” – This imagery reinforces the sense of peace and hope that Anne feels.
- “‘God’s in his heaven, all’s right with the world,’” whispered Anne softly. – This quote represents Anne's faith and her ability to find comfort in a larger spiritual context.
- “I’m going to be a good teacher—and I’m going to save your eyesight.” – This quote shows Anne's determination and her new ambitions.
- “When I left Queen’s my future seemed to stretch out before me like a straight road. Now there is a bend in it.” – This metaphor is central to the chapter’s theme of accepting change.
- “There’s a good deal more of the woman about her in others,” retorted Marilla, with a momentary return of her old crispness. – This quote shows Marilla's growing respect for Anne and her maturity.
- “We were born to be good friends, Anne.” – This quote foreshadows the developing relationship between Anne and Gilbert.
This study guide should help you analyze the key themes, vocabulary, and important quotes from “The Bend in the Road” and understand its significance within the broader context of Anne of Green Gables.