# Mrs. Rachel Lynde — Anne of Green Gables character guide

> Mrs. Rachel Lynde in Anne of Green Gables by L. M. Montgomery.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** Mrs. Rachel Lynde, Lynde, Mrs. Rachel, Rachel Lynde, Rachel, Mrs. Lynde

**First appearance:** 0000-i-mrs-rachel-lynde-is-surprised

## Snapshot

Avonlea's tireless overseer of other people's business, who inspects the Cuthberts' kitchen table and pronounces on Anne's looks before she has said a word to her.

## Who they are

Mrs. Lynde considers it her duty to know everything happening within driving distance, and she reads the number of plates on Marilla's table like a detective. She is blunt to the point of cruelty about Anne's hair and temper, and Anne's explosive retort shocks the whole neighborhood. Her eventual change of heart matters because she is the town's opinion, and the town has to decide what to make of Anne.

## In the story

### [Mrs. Rachel Lynde Is Surprised](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anne_of_green_gables_se/chapters/i-mrs-rachel-lynde-is-surprised)

Introduced as a gossipy, capable housewife who keeps a sharp eye on Avonlea affairs. She is surprised by Matthew's unusual departure and visits Marilla to investigate.

### [Matthew Cuthbert Is Surprised](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anne_of_green_gables_se/chapters/ii-matthew-cuthbert-is-surprised)

Briefly mentioned as one of the few women Matthew does not dread, and as a neighbor who sees them pass by.

### [Mrs. Rachel Lynde Is Properly Horrified](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anne_of_green_gables_se/chapters/ix-mrs-rachel-lynde-is-properly-horrified)

Visits to inspect Anne, bluntly criticizes her looks, and is horrified by Anne's temper, leaving in offended dignity.

### [Anne's Apology](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anne_of_green_gables_se/chapters/x-anne-s-apology)

Mrs. Lynde accepts Anne's apology and offers her a compliment about her hair, revealing a softer side beneath her gossipy exterior.

### [XI: Anne's Impressions of Sunday-School](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anne_of_green_gables_se/chapters/xi-anne-s-impressions-of-sunday-school)

Mrs. Lynde is absent when Anne calls for her, so Anne proceeds to church alone.

### [XII: A Solemn Vow and Promise](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anne_of_green_gables_se/chapters/xii-a-solemn-vow-and-promise)

Reported Anne's flower-trimmed hat to Marilla, sparking the scolding.

### [XIII: The Delights of Anticipation](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anne_of_green_gables_se/chapters/xiii-the-delights-of-anticipation)

Mentioned as one of the women who will make ice cream for the picnic.

### [Anne Is Invited Out to Tea](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anne_of_green_gables_se/chapters/xxii-anne-is-invited-out-to-tea)

Mrs. Lynde visits the manse and reports the hiring of a new lady teacher, Miss Muriel Stacy, which she views as a dangerous innovation.

### [Matthew Insists on Puffed Sleeves](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anne_of_green_gables_se/chapters/xxv-matthew-insists-on-puffed-sleeves)

Sews the dress for Anne and privately criticizes Marilla's plain dressing of Anne.

### [Where the Brook and River Meet](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anne_of_green_gables_se/chapters/xxxi-where-the-brook-and-river-meet)

Anne discusses Mrs. Lynde's influence and her own contrary feelings; Marilla admits Mrs. Lynde's nagging affects her similarly.

### [The Pass List Is Out](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anne_of_green_gables_se/chapters/xxxii-the-pass-list-is-out)

Praises Anne as a credit to her friends, despite her usual critical eye.

### [XXXVII: The Reaper Whose Name Is Death](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anne_of_green_gables_se/chapters/xxxvii-the-reaper-whose-name-is-death)

Among the first to arrive and confirms Matthew's death.

### [The Bend in the Road](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anne_of_green_gables_se/chapters/xxxviii-the-bend-in-the-road)

Visits Anne and Marilla; informs Anne that the trustees have given her the school; expresses traditional views on women's education.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anne_of_green_gables_se/characters/rachel_lynde
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anne_of_green_gables_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anne_of_green_gables_se/characters