Anne of Green Gables

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Anne of Green Gables

Mind over Matter. As cliché as this statement sounds, L.M. Montgomery’s Anne of Green Gables proves the idea to be true. Throughout the novel, Anne continually uses her imagination to help her persevere through difficult situations. This novel also highlights the importance and power one’s attitude has in shaping the outcome of a situation or event, and carries a powerful message that people control their own happiness. Numerous times, Anne, the protagonist, is faced with less than ideal circumstances, but she is determined to have an optimistic attitude and make the best of each situation. As a result of this positive determination, the outcome is always in Anne’s favor.

Anne Shirley is an eleven year-old orphan who lived in the early 1900s, in very poor conditions in several foster homes and then an orphan asylum, yet maintained a bright outlook on life. While in the foster homes where she was treated as a servant, and then in the orphan asylum, Anne used her imagination to get her through daily life. She developed imaginary friends who she talked to about her hopes, fears, and dreams for the future. According to Anne, these friendships were, “the comfort and consolation of my life” (Montgomery 58). Anne’s imagination was her survival instinct enabling her to persevere through the trials of being orphaned early in life. Explaining her history, Anne stated, “It was a very lonely place, I am sure I never could have lived there if I hadn’t an imagination” (40). While reflecting on her own experience, Anne remarked that a child with less imagination than herself would not have survived her circumstances.

After a traumatic experience early in her life in two, cheerless foster homes, and then an orphan...

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...tude does affect the outcome of your circumstance, as her positive attitude always leads her to find the best in a situation: “When I left Queen’s my future seemed to stretch out before me like a straight road. I thought I could see along it for many a milestone. Now there is a bend in it. I don’t know what lies around the bend, but I am going to believe that the best does” (303). If you continue to read the Anne of Green Gables series, you will discover that Anne’s positive attitude prevails, and that life holds much joy for her. Life is not fair, and people will still experience difficult times regardless of their attitude, but Anne shows society that people are responsible for their own joy, and a positive attitude and a little imagination can help make the best of each situation.

Works Cited

Montgomery, L.M. Anne of Green Gables. Toronto: Seal Books, 1908

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