Anne of Avonlea · Chapter
A Jonah Day explained
Anne experiences a difficult day at school, beginning with a toothache and a bad mood.
What happens
Anne experiences a difficult day at school, beginning with a toothache and a bad mood. She loses her temper, scolds Barbara Shaw, punishes St. Clair Donnell, and ultimately whips Anthony Pye with a pointer, feeling deep shame and remorse. After confiding in Marilla, she finds comfort and wakes the next morning to a fresh start, unexpectedly receiving a respectful gesture from Anthony.
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
- Forgiveness and Redemption
Anne's remorse and the next morning's fresh start, along with Anthony's unexpected respect, illustrate themes of forgiveness and redemption.
- Growth and Maturation
Anne's reflection on her temper and her learning from the 'Jonah day' highlight her ongoing maturation.
- Education and Influence
The chapter explores Anne's challenges as a teacher, including discipline and her influence on students like Anthony Pye.
Characters to notice
- Anne Shirley
Anne has a 'Jonah day' marked by irritability, losing her temper, and whipping Anthony Pye, leading to intense remorse and self-reflection.
- Anthony Pye
Anthony is whipped by Anne after provoking her, but later shows respect by offering to carry her books and acknowledging her discipline.
- Marilla Cuthbert
Marilla comforts Anne after her difficult day, offering practical advice and reassurance.
- Paul Irving
Paul's disappointed expression haunts Anne after she loses her temper in class.
- Davy Keith
Davy is present at the supper table, eating four plum puffs, contributing to Anne's improved mood.
- Dora Keith
Dora is mentioned as one of the twins at the supper table.
Key passages
“It really began the night before with a restless, wakeful vigil of grumbling toothache.”
The difficult day started the previous night with a toothache that kept Anne awake.
Sets the stage for Anne's irritable mood.
“I’m so ashamed of myself. I lost my temper and whipped Anthony Pye.”
Anne confesses her shame to Marilla for losing her temper and striking Anthony.
Key moment of remorse and confession.
“Every morn is a fresh beginning, Every morn is the world made new.”
Each morning offers a new start and a chance to leave past mistakes behind.
Anne's optimistic outlook after her difficult day.
