Hey AI, help me outline Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery
Novel Blueprint: Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery
Origin Scene: As an orphan, Anne Shirley has faced a lifetime of being passed around and treated as an afterthought, reinforcing her longing for a place to belong and a family to love her. She’s been with families that have treated her as nothing more than an extra pair of hands for work, never experiencing the love and care a child deserves.
Protagonist’s Worldview: Anne believes that she’s unworthy of love and belonging due to her orphan status and her fiery red hair (which she’s very sensitive about). This worldview has been shaped by her early experiences in life, where she’s been constantly reminded of her outsider status. She uses her vivid imagination to escape the harsh realities of her life.
Primary Desire: Anne’s primary desire is to find a place where she feels truly at home, surrounded by people who understand and love her. She seeks acceptance, family, and a sense of belonging.
Personal Significance of Desire: Having grown up as an orphan, passed from one unloving household to another, the idea of a loving home represents more than just shelter; it’s a validation of her worthiness, a chance to be seen, loved, and accepted for who she is.
Misbelief: Anne believes that if she can just be like everyone else (e.g., by having raven-black hair instead of red), then she will finally be accepted and loved. She also often feels the need to prove her worthiness to others.
Unavoidable External Force: Marilla and Matthew Cuthbert of Green Gables mistakenly adopt Anne, thinking they were getting a boy to help with farm chores. Despite the initial plan to send Anne back, her charm, intelligence, and spirit endear her to Matthew, and she is given a chance to stay and prove herself at Green Gables.
How the Story Ultimately Challenges or Reshapes that Misbelief: As Anne grows and has various adventures (and misadventures) in Avonlea, she learns several lessons about self-worth, friendship, and love. The love and acceptance she finds with the Cuthberts, coupled with the friendships she makes in Avonlea, teach her that she doesn’t need to change who she is to be loved. By the end, she realizes her worth is intrinsic, and she doesn’t need to be like anyone else to find a sense of belonging.
Novel Blueprint: Given the scope of the book, I’ll provide a brief, high-level blueprint of some key scenes.
- Scene: Anne’s Arrival at Green Gables
- Alpha Point: Matthew Cuthbert goes to pick up the orphaned boy but finds Anne instead.
- What happens: Anne excitedly talks about her life, her imagination, and her love for beautiful things.
- Why it matters: This is Anne’s first introduction to the possibility of a new life at Green Gables.
- Consequence: The Cuthberts debate keeping Anne.
- Realization: Anne learns she might not be able to stay.
- And so?: Anne decides she will do her best to stay with the Cuthberts.
- Scene: Anne’s First Day at School
- Alpha Point: Anne’s eagerness to fit in and make friends.
- What happens: She stands up to Gilbert Blythe for calling her “Carrots,” breaking a slate over his head.
- Why it matters: Establishes Anne’s sensitivity about her hair and her fiery temper.
- Consequence: Anne and Gilbert’s long-standing rivalry begins.
- Realization: Anne understands the importance of self-respect but also the consequences of her impulsiveness.
- And so?: Anne commits to avoiding Gilbert but also starts to gain a reputation in school.
- Scene: Anne Saves Minnie May
- Alpha Point: Anne’s knowledge of croup becomes vital.
- What happens: Anne uses her past experience to save Minnie May Barry when she falls sick.
- Why it matters: It highlights Anne’s resourcefulness and the value of her past hardships.
- Consequence: Diana Barry’s mother, who had previously forbidden their friendship, changes her opinion about Anne.
- Realization: Anne realizes her past, even the hard parts, have equipped her with unique skills.
- And so?: Anne and Diana’s bond deepens.
- Scene: Anne’s Decision to Stay at Green Gables
- Alpha Point: Marilla’s realization of her attachment to Anne.
- What happens: After a period of thinking Anne was involved in theft, Marilla feels deep remorse when the truth emerges.
- Why it matters: It solidifies Anne’s place in the Green Gables home.
- Consequence: Marilla openly acknowledges her love for Anne.
- Realization: Anne recognizes Green Gables as her true home.
- And so?: Anne’s sense of belonging and her bond with the Cuthberts strengthens.
- Scene: Anne’s Realization about Gilbert
- Alpha Point: Gilbert’s serious illness.
- What happens: News of Gilbert’s illness makes Anne reflect on their relationship.
- Why it matters: Anne confronts her past grievances and realizes her deep connection with Gilbert.
- Consequence: Anne reconciles with Gilbert.
- Realization: Anne acknowledges her true feelings for Gilbert.
- And so?: Their friendship takes a significant turn, foreshadowing a deeper relationship in the future.
The novel, filled with a series of events, lessons, and revelations, showcases Anne’s growth from a dreamy and insecure orphan to a confident and loved young woman. Her “aha!” moments come in realizing her worth, understanding the depth of true friendship, and recognizing love in various forms.
What might the author’s underlying motivations or purposes be for writing the novel?
Given the narrative and themes of “Anne of Green Gables,” L.M. Montgomery may have intended to shift readers' perceptions on a few fronts:
- Valuing Individuality: By immersing readers in Anne’s emotional world, readers might come to value uniqueness and individuality. Anne’s imaginative, spirited nature and fiery red hair make her an outsider initially, but they eventually endear her to many in Avonlea. The author might be nudging the reader to embrace their own quirks and those of others, and to recognize the richness they bring to communities and relationships.
- Redefining Family: Montgomery presents a definition of family that’s more about emotional connection than blood ties. By sharing Anne’s journey from orphan to beloved daughter and sister, the author could be encouraging readers to think differently about family, suggesting that love and understanding can create familial bonds just as strong, if not stronger, than biological ones.
- The Power of Growth: Anne makes numerous mistakes throughout the story, but she learns and grows from them. Montgomery could be guiding readers to feel more forgiving and understanding of their own mistakes and those of others, and to appreciate the growth that comes from facing them.
In essence, L.M. Montgomery may have wanted readers to feel a deep sense of acceptance for themselves and others, embracing individuality, understanding the flexible nature of family, and valuing personal growth.