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Genre

Coming-of-age novel; juvenile literature

Narrator

The narrator relates the events of the novel in the third person and has access to every character’s thoughts and emotions. Biased and partial, the narrator often mocks, condemns, or shows affection for the characters.

Point Of View

The novel is written mainly from Anne’s point of view, but it frequently switches to Marilla’s and sometimes to Matthew’s points of view.

Tone

The narrator is affectionate toward Anne, satirical when describing small-town life, and sentimental and gushing when describing nature.

Tense

Past

Protagonist

Anne Shirley

Major Conflict

Anne struggles to reconcile her imagination and romantic notions with the rigid expectations of traditional Avonlea society.

Rising Action

Anne’s continuous mistakes in her domestic duties and social interactions

Climax

Matthew’s death and Anne’s success at college

Falling Action

Anne’s decision to stay at Green Gables and teach in Avonlea

Foreshadowing

Anne’s dream about having a best friend hints at the close relationship she develops with Diana Barry; Matthew’s heart trouble foreshadows his death at the end of the novel, just as Marilla’s headaches foreshadow her health problems.

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Popular pages: Anne of Green Gables

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