Who Rilla Blythe is
Rilla Blythe lives at Ingleside, the Blythe family home in Glen St. Mary on Prince Edward Island. She is lively, proud of her looks and aware that she can be lazy.
Her wish to attend a dance takes her to the Four Winds lighthouse. There she meets Kenneth Ford again, and he gains a place in her private hopes.
How Rilla Blythe changes
At first, Rilla sees the war as an unfair interruption to the pleasures she expects. After encouragement from Gertrude Oliver and a sharp word from Susan Baker, she organizes a Junior Red Cross. Through meetings, sewing and fundraising, she discovers that she can lead others and take responsibility.
Rilla Blythe and the others in the story
Rilla adores her brother Walter Blythe, whose fear of war reaches beyond danger to his own life. He confides in her, and she offers some understanding when others judge his hesitation.
Her care for Jims, a baby whose father is away at war, brings another kind of responsibility. Though she has no experience with babies, she takes him home and keeps her promise to care for him. Susan helps her learn, and their shared work brings practical kindness into the family's anxious days.
Questions
Who are Rilla Blythe's parents?
Rilla's parents are Anne and Gilbert Blythe. She is their youngest daughter.
What does Rilla Blythe want at first?
Rilla wants to attend her first real dance and enjoy the pleasures of growing up. She is frustrated when her mother considers her too young.
Is Jims Rilla Blythe's baby?
Jims is not Rilla's own child, but a baby she rescues and raises during the war. Caring for him tests her patience and asks her to put someone else's needs before her pleasures.
