Anne of Green Gables: "A New Interest in Life" - Study Guide
This guide will help you understand the key themes, vocabulary, and important quotes from Chapter 8 of Anne of Green Gables, "A New Interest in Life."
Themes / Big Ideas
This chapter explores several central themes of the novel:
The Power of Friendship: The core of this chapter revolves around the importance of deep, meaningful connection. Anne experiences both the pain of loss (the potential end of her friendship with Diana) and the joy of finding a true friend who loves her unconditionally.
Imagination & Emotional Intensity: Anne's dramatic reactions, romantic language ("thou" and "thee"), and elaborate rituals (hair lock, letters under pillow) highlight her vivid imagination and the intensity of her emotions. This is a defining characteristic of Anne.
Social Acceptance & Belonging: Anne craves acceptance and finds it through the kindness of her classmates. The gifts she receives demonstrate a growing sense of belonging within the Avonlea school community.
Resilience & Finding Purpose: Despite heartbreak, Anne demonstrates resilience by throwing herself into her studies. She finds a new purpose in schoolwork and competition, even if it's fueled by some negative emotions.
The Nature of Love: The chapter explores different kinds of affection – the deep, soulmate-like love for Diana, and the budding competitive spirit (and perhaps more) with Gilbert.
The Importance of Self-Expression: Anne's need to express her feelings, even through dramatic language and gestures, is crucial to her well-being.
Vocabulary List
| Word | Part of Speech | Definition
|
|---------------|----------------|----------------------------------------------|
| Relented | Verb | Relaxed or gave in; yielded. |
| Trice | Noun | A very short time; an instant. |
| Dejected | Adjective | Sad and depressed; low in spirits. |
| Bosom friend | Noun | A very close, intimate friend. |
| Affectionate | Adjective | Showing or feeling love and fondness. |
| Pathetic | Adjective | Arousing pity or sadness. |
| Affecting | Adjective | Causing strong emotion; touching. |
| Henceforth | Adverb | From this time on; from now forward. |
| Remorse | Noun | Deep regret or guilt for a wrong committed. |
| Unsympathetically | Adverb | Without feeling or showing sympathy. |
| Ruthlessly | Adverb | Cruelly; without pity or compassion. |
| Muse | Verb | To think deeply about something. |
| Departed | Adjective | Gone or past; having died. |
| Peruse | Verb | To read carefully and thoroughly. |
| Effusion | Noun | An unrestrained expression of emotion. |
| Ostentatiously | Adverb | Showing off deliberately; pretentious. |
| Annexed | Verb | To take possession of something. |
| Cæsar’s pageant | Noun | A grand procession or display, referencing Julius Caesar. |
| Embittered | Adjective | Feeling resentful or angry. |
| Inextinguishable | Adjective | Not able to be extinguished; unending. |
| Dunce | Noun | A foolish or stupid person. |
| Mortifying | Adjective | Causing great embarrassment or shame. |
| Waterloo | Noun | A decisive defeat; a point of overwhelming failure. |
Quotes to Look For
These quotes highlight key moments and themes in the chapter:
“Ten minutes isn’t very long to say an eternal farewell in,” said Anne tearfully. – Demonstrates Anne's dramatic nature and the intensity of her feelings.
“I thought you liked me of course but I never hoped you loved me. Why, Diana, I didn’t think anybody could love me. Nobody ever has loved me since I can remember.” – Reveals Anne’s deep-seated insecurity and longing for affection.
“I love you devotedly, Anne,” said Diana stanchly, “and I always will, you may be sure of that.” – The affirmation of Diana’s love is a turning point for Anne.
“It is all over,” she informed Marilla. “I shall never have another friend. I’m really worse off than ever before, for I haven’t Katie Maurice and Violetta now. And even if I had it wouldn’t be the same. Somehow, little dream girls are not satisfying after a real friend.” – Highlights Anne's realization of the difference between superficial friendships and true connection.
“Thou’ and ‘thee’ seem so much more romantic than ‘you.’” – Shows Anne's use of imagination and language to elevate her emotional experience.
“I don’t think there is much fear of your dying of grief as long as you can talk, Anne,” said Marilla unsympathetically. – Marilla’s pragmatic nature contrasts sharply with Anne's emotional intensity.
“That is all there is left in life for me, now that my friend has been ruthlessly torn from me. In school I can look at her and muse over days departed.” – Anne finds a new focus in schoolwork, but it's still rooted in her feelings for Diana.
“I shall sleep with your letter under my pillow tonight.” – Another example of Anne’s romantic rituals and the importance she places on her friendship with Diana.
“I was as intense in my hatreds as in my loves.” – Reveals Anne’s passionate nature and her tendency to hold grudges.
“It makes me very sad at times to think about her. But really, Marilla, one can’t stay sad very long in such an interesting world, can one?” – Shows Anne's resilience and her ability to find joy even in the face of sadness.
This study guide should help you analyze and understand this important chapter in Anne of Green Gables. Remember to consider how these themes and ideas connect to the larger story!