Anne of Avonlea · Theme
Imagination and Idealism
How Anne of Avonlea develops Imagination and Idealism.
Anne's vivid imagination and idealistic view of life are central to the narrative, as she constantly dreams about the future, romanticizes everyday events, and finds beauty in nature and relationships, often contrasting with the practical realities of Avonlea.
Where it surfaces
- An Irate Neighbour
Anne's daydreams about her future as a teacher and the influence she will have on her students highlight her idealistic nature and her tendency to imagine grand futures.
- All Sorts and Conditions of Men… and Women
Anne's poetic reflections on nature and her optimistic vision for the Society embody her enduring idealism.
- The Pointing of Duty
Anne dreams of adding beauty to life, while Gilbert aspires to fight disease and ignorance, reflecting their idealistic visions for the future.
- Davy in Search of a Sensation
Anne's imaginative reflections on the woods and her childhood habit of dreaming contrast with the harsh reality of Davy's deception.
- Facts and Fancies
The students' imaginative and idealistic responses, such as wanting a 'honeymoon' or being a widow, showcase their creative thinking.
- A Golden Picnic
Anne's poetic interpretations of nature, her vision of souls as light, and her desire to make the day 'golden' highlight her imaginative and idealistic nature.
- XV: The Beginning of Vacation
Anne and Paul share a deep imaginative connection, seeing rock people and valuing the realm of imagination as a priceless gift.
- XVI: The Substance of Things Hoped For
Anne's elaborate fantasies about Mrs. Morgan's visit and her desire to live up to the ideals of Mrs. Morgan's heroines reflect her imaginative and idealistic nature.
- An Adventure on the Tory Road
Anne imagines a dialogue between garden flowers and writes a garden idyl during the storm, showing her poetic fancy.
- Sweet Miss Lavendar
Miss Lavendar pretends to have a tea party to combat loneliness, and Anne immediately connects with her imaginative spirit.
- Miss Lavendar's Romance
Anne and Miss Lavendar share a love of 'pretending' and dreams, finding solace in imagination even amid life's disappointments.
- An Afternoon at the Stone House
Paul and Miss Lavendar bond over their 'dream people,' highlighting the power of imagination to create comfort and connection.
- The Prince Comes Back to the Enchanted Palace
Anne frames the reunion in fairy-tale terms, calling Echo Lodge an 'enchanted palace' and Stephen Irving a 'prince.'
- Poetry and Prose
Anne uses her imagination to build a 'home o' dreams' and reflects on the romantic nature of events, contrasting with Marilla's practical view.
