Anne of Green Gables: Chapter – The Delights of Anticipation - Study Guide
This study guide will help you understand the key themes, vocabulary, and important quotes from Chapter 3 of Anne of Green Gables, “The Delights of Anticipation.”
Themes / Big Ideas
Imagination & Daydreaming: This chapter heavily emphasizes Anne’s vivid imagination and her ability to find joy in anticipation. Her world is enriched by the possibilities she creates in her mind, even more so than reality itself.
The Power of Hope & Looking Forward: Anne believes that the joy of anticipating something is almost as valuable as experiencing it. She actively chooses to embrace excitement and optimism, even in the face of potential disappointment.
Finding Joy in Simple Things: Anne finds immense pleasure in small things – a picnic, ice cream, a beautiful brooch, the name “Idlewild.” This highlights her ability to appreciate beauty and wonder in everyday life.
The Importance of Connection & Acceptance: Anne craves connection with others (Diana, Matthew) and longs for acceptance. Marilla’s growing affection, even expressed brusquely, is deeply meaningful to her.
The Contrast Between Reality & Idealism: Anne often has idealized visions of things (diamonds, picnics) that differ from reality. This sets up a recurring theme in the novel about learning to reconcile dreams with practical life.
The Slow Development of Affection: Marilla is a reserved character, and her affection for Anne develops gradually. The chapter shows small but significant moments of tenderness (the kiss) that hint at a deeper connection forming.
Vocabulary List
| Word | Part of Speech | Definition |
|---------------|----------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Staccato | Adjective | Short, abrupt, and distinct; marked by clear-cut notes or sounds. |
| Ninny | Noun | A foolish person; a simpleton. |
| Infatuated | Adjective | Having an intense but short-lived passion or admiration for someone or something. |
| Discourse | Verb | To speak or write at length on a particular subject. |
| Featherbrained | Adjective | Silly, frivolous, or scatterbrained. |
| Rove | Verb | To wander without a fixed course or purpose. |
| Preying | Verb | Occupying the mind persistently; causing worry or distress. |
| Rapturously | Adverb | In a state of ecstatic delight; with great enthusiasm. |
| Brusquely | Adverb | Abruptly and without politeness or warmth. |
| Sallow | Adjective | Having a pale, unhealthy complexion. |
| Sacrilegious | Adjective | Violating or profaning something sacred. |
| Amethyst | Noun | A violet or purple variety of quartz. |
| Shimmer | Verb | To shine with a soft, wavering light. |
| Bequeathed | Verb | To pass on (something) to someone else, typically in a will. |
| Smitten | Adjective | Suddenly and strongly affected by (a feeling or attraction). |
Quotes to Look For & Analyze
“The more she talks and the odder the things she says, the more he’s delighted evidently.” – This quote reveals Matthew's unusual fondness for Anne and his acceptance of her unique personality.
“Oh, Marilla, looking forward to things is half the pleasure of them.” – This is a central theme statement. Analyze how Anne’s perspective differs from Marilla's (who worries about disappointment).
“You set your heart too much on things, Anne,” said Marilla, with a sigh. “I’m afraid there’ll be a great many disappointments in store for you through life.” – This foreshadows potential conflicts and challenges Anne will face.
“But I think it would be worse to expect nothing than to be disappointed.” – This quote demonstrates Anne’s optimistic and resilient nature.
“It was the first time in her whole life that childish lips had voluntarily touched Marilla’s face.” – This is a significant moment of connection between Anne and Marilla. What does this gesture symbolize?
“You’ll have to learn to resist the fascination of Idle-whatever-you-call-it.” – This shows Marilla’s pragmatic approach to life and her attempt to instill discipline in Anne.
“Oh, Marilla, it’s a perfectly elegant brooch.” – This quote highlights Anne's appreciation for beauty and her tendency to idealize things.
“Will you let me hold the brooch for one minute, Marilla? Do you think amethysts can be the souls of good violets?” – This demonstrates Anne’s imaginative thinking and her desire to connect with the world around her on a deeper level.
“Such a thrill as went up and down my back, Marilla! I don’t think I’d ever really believed until then that there was honestly going to be a picnic.” – This illustrates the power of anticipation and how it can create intense emotional experiences.
This study guide should help you delve deeper into the meaning of this chapter and understand its significance within the larger narrative of Anne of Green Gables.