Anne of Green Gables: Chapter Study Guide - "Anne Comes to Grief in an
Affair of Honor"
This guide will help you understand the key elements of Chapter 8, "Anne Comes to Grief in an Affair of Honor," focusing on themes, vocabulary, and important quotes.
Themes / Big Ideas
The Pressure of Peer Influence/Social Expectations: This chapter heavily explores how easily young people are swayed by the desire to fit in and prove themselves, even at great risk. The "daring" trend demonstrates the power of social pressure and its potential for negative consequences.
Pride & Reputation: Anne's motivation for walking the ridgepole isn’t about bravery or skill, but about avoiding humiliation at the hands of Josie Pye. This highlights the importance she places on her reputation and how easily wounded her pride is.
Imagination as Coping Mechanism: Even after a serious injury, Anne relies on her imagination to make the best of a bad situation. She finds "bright sides" and uses fantasy to deal with pain, boredom, and regret.
The Value of Friendship: The chapter showcases the support Anne receives from her friends, particularly Diana. Their concern and visits demonstrate the importance of genuine connection during difficult times.
Acceptance & Growing Affection: Marilla's realization of her deep affection for Anne is a pivotal moment. The chapter shows the slow but steady growth of their bond, even amidst Anne's mishaps.
The Consequences of Rash Actions: The chapter is a clear illustration that actions have consequences. Anne's impulsiveness leads to physical injury and emotional distress.
Vocabulary List
| Word | Part of Speech | Definition |
|---------------|----------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Untoward | Adjective | Unfavorable, unlucky; not as expected. |
| Enticing | Adjective | Attractive, tempting. |
| Fry | Noun | A group of young children or animals. |
| Discomfiture | Noun | Embarrassment or discomfort. |
| Albeit | Conjunction | Although; even though. |
| Nimbly | Adverb | Quickly and lightly; with agility. |
| Rash | Adjective | Impulsive, acting without thinking. |
| Precarious | Adjective | Uncertain; unstable; dangerous. |
| Dizzily | Adverb | Feeling unsteady and confused; lightheaded. |
| Catastrophe | Noun | A sudden and disastrous event. |
| Limp | Adjective | Walking with difficulty, typically because of an injury. |
| Hysterics | Noun | Uncontrollable emotion, often involving crying or violent behavior. |
| Rendered | Verb | Caused to become; made (someone unconscious). |
| Tedious | Adjective | Long and boring. |
| Juvenile | Adjective | Relating to young people; youthful. |
| Kindred Spirit | Noun | A person with similar beliefs or feelings. |
| Broad Hint | Noun | An indirect suggestion. |
Quotes to Look For
"My honor is at stake,” said Anne solemnly. “I shall walk that ridgepole, Diana, or perish in the attempt." – This quote exemplifies Anne’s dramatic nature and her strong sense of pride. It shows how seriously she takes the dare, even to the point of risking her life.
“I don’t think it’s such a very wonderful thing to walk a little, low, board fence,” she said. “I knew a girl in Marysville who could walk the ridgepole of a roof.” – This quote reveals Anne’s tendency to exaggerate and compete, driven by her desire for attention and validation.
“I must do it. My honor is at stake.” – This quote highlights the absurdity of Anne's reasoning and the power of peer pressure.
“I might have known you’d go and do something of the sort when I let you go to that party,” said Marilla, sharp and shrewish in her very relief. – This quote shows Marilla’s exasperation with Anne's impulsiveness, but also her underlying concern for her well-being.
“There’s one thing plain to be seen, Anne,” said Marilla, “and that is that your fall off the Barry roof hasn’t injured your tongue at all.” – This quote is a humorous observation of Anne's continued chattiness and optimism, even after her accident.
“Isn’t it fortunate I’ve got such an imagination?” said Anne. “It will help me through splendidly, I expect.” – This quote underscores the importance of Anne’s imagination as a coping mechanism and source of resilience.
“Everybody has been so good and kind, Marilla,” sighed Anne happily, on the day when she could first limp across the floor. “It isn’t very pleasant to be laid up; but there is a bright side to it, Marilla. You find out how many friends you have.” – This quote demonstrates Anne’s ability to focus on the positive aspects of her situation and appreciate the support she receives.
“I believe now he really does mean them, only he has got into the habit of saying them as if he didn’t.” – This quote shows Anne's insightful observations about people and her attempts to understand their motivations.
This study guide should help you analyze the key themes, vocabulary, and important moments in this chapter of Anne of Green Gables. Remember to consider how these elements contribute to the overall story and character development.