# Belonging and Home in Anne of Green Gables

> Theme guide for Anne of Green Gables by L. M. Montgomery.

The story follows Anne's journey from a lonely, unwanted orphan to finding a true home and family at Green Gables, highlighting the deep human need for love, acceptance, and a place to belong.

## Where it surfaces

- [Mrs. Rachel Lynde Is Surprised](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anne_of_green_gables_se/chapters/i-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anne_of_green_gables_se/chapters/ii-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anne_of_green_gables_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anne_of_green_gables_se/chapters/iv-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anne_of_green_gables_se/chapters/v-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anne_of_green_gables_se/chapters/vi-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anne_of_green_gables_se/chapters/vii-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anne_of_green_gables_se/chapters/viii-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anne_of_green_gables_se/chapters/ix-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anne_of_green_gables_se/chapters/x-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anne_of_green_gables_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anne_of_green_gables_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anne_of_green_gables_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anne_of_green_gables_se/chapters/xxii-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anne_of_green_gables_se/chapters/xxv-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anne_of_green_gables_se/chapters/xxix-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anne_of_green_gables_se/chapters/xxxiv-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anne_of_green_gables_se/chapters/xxxvi-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anne_of_green_gables_se/chapters/xxxviii-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.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anne_of_green_gables_se/themes/belonging_and_home
- Themes index: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anne_of_green_gables_se/themes