Anne of Avonlea · Chapter
Selling in Haste and Repenting at Leisure explained
Anne and Diana discuss plans for the Avonlea Village Improvement Society while shopping in Carmody.
What happens
Anne and Diana discuss plans for the Avonlea Village Improvement Society while shopping in Carmody. On their return, Anne discovers Mr. Harrison's Jersey cow in her oat field. In a fit of frustration, she impulsively sells the cow to Mr. Shearer, only to realize she has sold the wrong cow—Mr. Harrison's cow, not her own Dolly. Horrified, Anne prepares to confess to Mr. Harrison, bringing a nut cake as a peace offering.
Free preview opens on this chapter — companions, themes, and character notes appear beside the text.
Narrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
This chapter is the dramatic climax because it marks the peak of Anne and Gilbert’s covert collaboration, reve…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes in this chapter
- Change and Transition
Anne's impulsive sale marks a shift in her responsibilities and foreshadows the consequences of hasty decisions.
- Forgiveness and Redemption
Anne's preparation to confess and offer a peace cake reflects her desire to make amends for her mistake.
Characters to notice
- Anne Shirley
Impulsively sells Mr. Harrison's cow by mistake, then prepares to confess and make amends.
- Diana Barry
Accompanies Anne to Carmody and helps chase the cow out of the oat field.
- Marilla Cuthbert
Returns from Mrs. Lynde's to learn of the cow sale; advises Anne to see Mr. Harrison.
- Mr. J. A. Harrison
His Jersey cow is mistakenly sold by Anne; he is the offended party.
Key passages
“I think an old, deserted house is such a sad sight. It always seems to me to be thinking about its past and mourning for its old-time joys.”
Anne finds abandoned houses melancholy, as if they long for their former happiness.
Reflects Anne's imaginative and sentimental nature.
“I know now just how people feel who are being led to execution.”
Anne feels as though she is heading to a terrible punishment as she goes to confess to Mr. Harrison.
Highlights Anne's dramatic and self-aware humor.
