Who Anne Shirley is
Anne Shirley is eleven when she arrives on Prince Edward Island with a battered bag and two red braids. She talks freely, feels deeply, and gives lovely names to the places she discovers. Behind her dramatic speeches is a lonely child who has already known rejection and hard homes.
What Anne Shirley wants
Anne wants Green Gables to become her home, though the Cuthberts have asked for a boy instead. She also longs for a true friend and finds one in her neighbor, Diana Barry. At school, her love of learning and rivalry with Gilbert Blythe give her ambitions beyond belonging.
Anne Shirley and the others in the story
Matthew Cuthbert takes to Anne during their first journey together and quietly argues that she should stay. Marilla Cuthbert sets firm rules, but gradually learns to understand the feelings beneath Anne's mistakes. Diana shares her games and secrets, while Gilbert wounds her pride by teasing her about her hair.
How Anne Shirley changes
Anne learns through mistakes, apologies, and the consequences of letting imagination run ahead of good sense. Her growing confidence reveals practical courage too, especially when she helps Diana's little sister through an illness. With encouragement from Miss Stacy, she begins preparing for further study without losing her delight in stories and nature.
Best-known lines
“Tomorrow is a new day with no mistakes in it yet.”
“I'm so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers.”
Questions
Why does Anne Shirley come to Green Gables?
Anne comes because of a mistake in the Cuthberts' adoption arrangements. They expect a boy who can help on their farm.
Who is Anne Shirley's best friend?
Diana Barry is Anne's dearest friend and lives at the neighboring farm, Orchard Slope.
Why is Anne angry with Gilbert Blythe?
Anne is angry because Gilbert pulls her braid and mocks her red hair. His apologies do not easily overcome her hurt pride.
