Anne of Avonlea · Chapter
Marilla Adopts Twins explained
Marilla brings home the Keith twins, Davy and Dora, after their mother's funeral.
What happens
Marilla brings home the Keith twins, Davy and Dora, after their mother's funeral. Davy's mischievous nature immediately clashes with Marilla's strictness, while Dora is prim and obedient. Davy's antics include dropping a caterpillar down a girl's neck in church and later causing Dora to fall into a pigpen and then drenching her under a pump. Anne helps manage the chaos, using gentle discipline and comparisons to Paul Irving to influence Davy's behavior.
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
- Community and Belonging
The community, including Mrs. Rachel Lynde and the Aid Society, observes and participates in the integration of the Keith twins into Green Gables.
- Growth and Maturation
Davy's mischievous behavior contrasts with Anne's attempts to guide him toward better conduct, highlighting the challenges of growing up and learning right from wrong.
- Love and Friendship
Despite his naughtiness, Davy's affectionate hugs and Anne's patient care demonstrate the bonds forming within the new family.
Characters to notice
- Marilla Cuthbert
Adopts the Keith twins after their mother's funeral; struggles to manage Davy's perpetual motion and mischief.
- Davy Keith
Mischievous twin who drops a caterpillar in church, makes Dora walk a pigpen fence, and puts a toad in Marilla's bed; shows affection but is constantly in trouble.
- Dora Keith
Prim and obedient twin; victim of Davy's pranks, including being pushed into a pigpen and drenched under a pump.
- Anne Shirley
Helps Marilla with the twins; uses gentle talks and comparisons to Paul Irving to guide Davy's behavior.
- Mrs. Rachel Lynde
Observes the arrival of the twins from her window; comments on Marilla's new challenge.
- Paul Irving
Referenced as a model of good behavior; Anne uses him to influence Davy.
Key passages
“There's Marilla getting home from the funeral... and she's got the twins with her”
Mrs. Rachel Lynde sees Marilla returning from the funeral with the twins.
Establishes the arrival of Davy and Dora at Green Gables.
“I don't believe you mean it... You don't look like a lady who'd whip a little boy just 'cause he couldn't keep still.”
Davy doubts Marilla's threat to whip him, appealing to her kind nature.
Shows Davy's charm and Marilla's softening heart.
“I put a toad in Marilla's bed. You can go and take it out if you like. But say, Anne, wouldn't it be fun to leave it there?”
Davy confesses to putting a toad in Marilla's bed and suggests leaving it as a prank.
Illustrates Davy's mischievous nature and his trust in Anne.
