Belonging and Home

Where it surfaces

• Mrs. Rachel Lynde Is Surprised

  The chapter introduces the impending arrival of an orphan, setting up themes of finding a home and belonging at Green Gables.

• Matthew Cuthbert Is Surprised

  Anne's longing for a home and to belong to someone is a key theme, culminating in her emotional recognition of Green Gables as home.

• III: Marilla Cuthbert Is Surprised

  Anne's deep yearning for a home and her despair at being unwanted are central to this chapter, as she cries herself to sleep in the east gable.

• Morning at Green Gables

  Anne's fear of being sent away contrasts with her immediate emotional connection to Green Gables, as she struggles with the possibility of losing a place she already loves.

• Anne’s History

  Anne's longing for a real home is central; she fears being sent back to the asylum, and Marilla begins to see Green Gables as a potential home for her.

• Marilla Makes Up Her Mind

  Anne's desperate desire for a permanent home contrasts with the threat of being sent to Mrs. Blewett.

• Anne Says Her Prayers

  Anne's heartfelt request to stay at Green Gables underscores her deep yearning for a permanent home and a place where she is loved and accepted.

• Anne’s Bringing-Up Is Begun

  Anne's joy at being allowed to stay at Green Gables and her desire to call Marilla 'Aunt Marilla' underscore her longing for a permanent home and family.

• Mrs. Rachel Lynde Is Properly Horrified

  Anne's exploration of Green Gables and her attachment to its natural features show her beginning to feel a sense of belonging, which is threatened by Mrs. Lynde's harsh judgment.

• Anne's Apology

  Anne's realization that Green Gables feels like home for the first time underscores her growing sense of belonging.

• XI: Anne's Impressions of Sunday-School

  Anne feels alienated in Sunday school due to her lack of puffed sleeves and the other girls' stares, highlighting her struggle to fit in.

• XII: A Solemn Vow and Promise

  Anne's growing sense of belonging at Green Gables is reinforced by Marilla's grudging affection and Matthew's kindness, as well as her new friendship with Diana.

• XIX: A Concert, a Catastrophe, and a Confession

  Anne's desire to attend the concert and her confession reflect her longing for acceptance and her place in the community.

• Anne Is Invited Out to Tea

  Anne's invitation to tea at the manse and her warm reception by Mrs. Allan reinforce her growing sense of belonging in Avonlea.

• Matthew Insists on Puffed Sleeves

  Matthew's gift of a fashionable dress helps Anne feel accepted and less different from her peers, reinforcing her sense of belonging at Green Gables.

• An Epoch in Anne's Life

  The chapter contrasts the splendors of town with the deep comfort of returning to Green Gables, emphasizing home as the true source of happiness.

• A Queen's Girl

  Anne's intense homesickness and longing for Green Gables underscore her deep sense of belonging and attachment to home.

• The Glory and the Dream

  Anne's return to Green Gables and her emotional connection to the landscape emphasize the comfort and identity found in home.

• The Bend in the Road

  Anne's decision to stay at Green Gables underscores her deep attachment to the place as her true home, choosing it over academic ambitions.