Discussion Questions for January 16

Discussion Questions: Anne of Green Gables

Small Group Work: Please find at least one quote to illustrate your point.

1.     Consider the different historical models of the child described in Chapter 1 of Hintz and Tribunella. Which model do you think best fits the character of Diana, and why?

2.     Consider the different historical models of the child described in Chapter 1 of Hintz and Tribunella. Which model do you think best fits the character of Gilbert, and why?

3.     How important is visual beauty to Anne (in herself, people, and things)? Why do you think it is important to her?

4.     Though Anne is generally a free spirit, in some cases she cares very much about what other people think of her. In what ways is she a conformist? In what ways is she most nonconformist?

5.     Anne is typically a lighthearted girl, but in some moments she can be very serious. About what kinds of things is Anne solemn?

6.     As Anne’s primary caretakers, Matthew and Marilla have very different roles. What role does Matthew play in Anne’s upbringing? Marilla? What determines these differences? Does anything about the division surprise you?

7.     At this point in the text, do you think Marilla loves Anne? Do you think Anne loves Marilla? Why or why not?

8.     In this section of the text, the theme of truth comes up several times. What, according to the novel, is the relationship between young people and honesty? Is this presented as a positive or negative relationship?

9.     In this section, Anne starts school. How is her relationship with academics? With her instructors? Her peers? How do these interactions develop Anne’s character?

Reflection

1.     The term “kindered spirit” comes up numerous times in this section. What is a kindered spirit? Whom does Anne identify as a kindered spirit? Did you have any kindered spirits at Anne’s age? How did you identify them?

Class Discussion

1.     Generally, what characterizes a “tween” from a young child? From an adolescent?

2.     Anne of Green Gables was published in 1908. In what ways is Anne still relatable to North American tweens? In what ways might she seem outdated?

3.     So far, do you find Anne likeable? Why or why not?

4.     How would you perceive Anne differently if she were 15? 21? 35?

5.     How do the illustrations in Anne supplement your understanding of the text?

6.     There are several instances of discipline in this section. How did they sit with you?