# Love and Marriage in Anne of the Island

> Theme guide for Anne of the Island by L. M. Montgomery.

Anne navigates romantic relationships, including her friendship with Gilbert Blythe, her brief engagement to Roy Gardner, and her eventual realization of true love, while observing the marriages and courtships of friends like Diana and Jane.

## Where it surfaces

- [Epigraph](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anne_of_the_island_se/chapters/epigraph): The epigraph introduces love as a force that, with fate, uncovers hidden worth.
- [II: Garlands of Autumn](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anne_of_the_island_se/chapters/ii-garlands-of-autumn): Mrs. Lynde and Marilla discuss Anne and Gilbert's future marriage, while Anne's jealousy over Ruby hints at romantic tension.
- [Anne’s First Proposal](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anne_of_the_island_se/chapters/viii-anne-s-first-proposal): The chapter contrasts Anne's romantic notions of love with the practical, unromantic reality of a proxy proposal based on land and suitability.
- [An Interlude](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anne_of_the_island_se/chapters/xix-an-interlude): Phil's banter about suitors and Aunt Jamesina's advice highlight differing views on love and matrimony.
- [Gilbert Speaks](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anne_of_the_island_se/chapters/xx-gilbert-speaks): Gilbert's proposal and Anne's rejection highlight the tension between romantic love and friendship, and the societal expectations of marriage.
- [Enter Prince Charming](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anne_of_the_island_se/chapters/xxv-enter-prince-charming): Anne's romantic encounter with Roy Gardner, who seems to be the 'Prince Charming' of her dreams, introduces a new possibility for love.
- [XXVI: Enter Christine](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anne_of_the_island_se/chapters/xxvi-enter-christine): Phil discusses her uncertain relationship with Jonas, and Anne's feelings are stirred by news of Gilbert and Christine.
- [XXVII: Mutual Confidences](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anne_of_the_island_se/chapters/xxvii-mutual-confidences): Phil's engagement to Jonas Blake contrasts romantic ideals with practical love; Anne's conflicted feelings about Roy Gardner explore the tension between idealization and genuine connection.
- [A June Evening](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anne_of_the_island_se/chapters/xxviii-a-june-evening): The chapter centers on Diana's wedding preparations and the community's gossip about Anne's romantic prospects, including her refusal of Gilbert and her relationship with Roy.
- [Diana's Wedding](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anne_of_the_island_se/chapters/xxix-diana-s-wedding): The chapter centers on Diana's wedding, with Anne contemplating her own future and the nature of romantic love.
- [Mrs. Skinner's Romance](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anne_of_the_island_se/chapters/xxx-mrs-skinner-s-romance): Mrs. Skinner's story illustrates choosing love over wealth in marriage, contrasting with her cousin Jane Ann's unhappy marriage for money.
- [XXXI: Anne to Philippa](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anne_of_the_island_se/chapters/xxxi-anne-to-philippa): Anne mentions her involvement in elderly love affairs, including Ludovic Speed and Theodora Dix, and a current romance she observes but refrains from meddling in.
- [Tea with Mrs. Douglas](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anne_of_the_island_se/chapters/xxxii-tea-with-mrs-douglas): Janet's courtship with John Douglas is highlighted, including the social expectations and family dynamics surrounding their potential marriage.
- [XXXIII: “He Just Kept Coming and Coming”](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anne_of_the_island_se/chapters/xxxiii-he-just-kept-coming-and-coming): Janet's twenty-year wait for a proposal and Anne's intervention highlight the complexities and societal expectations of courtship and marriage.
- [John Douglas Speaks at Last](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anne_of_the_island_se/chapters/xxxiv-john-douglas-speaks-at-last): The central plot of John and Janet's delayed marriage, freed by Mrs. Douglas's death, explores the endurance of love and the societal pressures surrounding marriage.
- [The Gardners’ Call](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anne_of_the_island_se/chapters/xxxvi-the-gardners-call): The Gardner family call signifies a step in Anne's relationship with Roy, highlighting social expectations and family approval.
- [False Dawn](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anne_of_the_island_se/chapters/xxxviii-false-dawn): Anne's rejection of Roy's proposal highlights the theme of discerning true love from societal expectations.
- [Deals with Weddings](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anne_of_the_island_se/chapters/xxxix-deals-with-weddings): Multiple engagements and marriages are discussed: Jane Andrews, Philippa Gordon, and Diana's new motherhood, contrasting with Anne's broken engagement.
- [A Book of Revelation](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anne_of_the_island_se/chapters/xl-a-book-of-revelation): Anne's agonizing realization that she loves Gilbert, and her regret over misinterpreting her feelings for Roy Gardner.
- [Love Takes Up the Glass of Time](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anne_of_the_island_se/chapters/xli-love-takes-up-the-glass-of-time): The chapter centers on Gilbert's proposal and Anne's acceptance, resolving their romantic arc and affirming their commitment to marry after his studies.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anne_of_the_island_se/themes/love_and_marriage
- Themes index: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/anne_of_the_island_se/themes